DOT-117 Compliance: U.S. Rail Tank Car Update – 2025 Restrictions

Rail tank car compliance with DOT-117 safety standards for Class 3 flammables rises to 73% in 2024. Upcoming 2025 restrictions on older tank cars signal industry safety improvements.

DOT-117 Compliance: U.S. Rail Tank Car Update – 2025 Restrictions
September 23, 2025 9:55 pm
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Introduction

In 2024, 73% of rail tank cars transporting Class 3 flammable liquids adhered to DOT-117 specifications, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). This represents an increase from 67% in 2023, highlighting the ongoing transition to the DOT-117 standard for enhanced safety in the transportation of these materials.

DOT-117 Compliance Progress

The BTS report focuses on the advancements made in upgrading the tank car fleet to the DOT-117 standard. This standard is crucial for meeting the necessary safety regulations for transporting Class 3 flammable liquids.

Crude Oil and Ethanol Transportation

The majority of crude oil and ethanol transported in 2024 utilized either new DOT-117 tanks or retrofitted DOT-117R tanks. A minimal number of jacketed CPC-1232 tank cars were still in operation. Specifically, only 130 CPC-1232 tank cars were used for crude oil, and merely 18 jacketed CPC-1232 tank cars were utilized for ethanol.

Other Flammable Liquids

Other flammable liquids constituted the largest category of Class 3 flammable liquids transported in non-DOT-117 tank cars in 2024.

Upcoming Restrictions

Effective May 1, 2025, the transport of ethanol and crude oil in jacketed CPC-1232 tank cars is prohibited. Additionally, all DOT-111 and CPC-1232 tank cars will be restricted from carrying other flammable liquids in packing group 1.

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Conclusion

The BTS report indicates a continuous improvement in the adoption of DOT-117 compliant tank cars for the transportation of Class 3 flammable liquids. Restrictions on the use of certain tank car types for specific materials will be implemented in 2025.

Company Summary

U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS): The BTS is a U.S. government agency responsible for collecting, compiling, and disseminating transportation data.

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