Recently, CARS conducted a telephone conference with the U.S.A. Railway Supply Institute to explore potential areas of collaboration between the two organizations. During the discussions, several topics were considered, inter alia, USMCA support issues, tanker cars etc. A specific part of the U.S.A. RSI (RSI Committee on Tank Cars (RSICTC)) opened the possibilities of close collaboration with CARS pertaining to dealing with the production of tank cars and Transport Canada permits. In general terms, the RSICTC addresses issues of importance to tank car builders and owners and regularly reviews tank car requirements through its membership on the Association of American Railroads Tank Car Committee. RSICTC remains at the forefront of the latest research to improve tank car safety and represents tank car manufacturers in federal, legislative and regulatory matters. The Engineering/Technical Subcommittee oversees the RSI/AAR tank car safety research project and meets quarterly with the AAR Committee on Tank Cars to discuss tank car security, packaging and operational issues. Membership on this committee is restricted to companies engaged in the design, manufacture, ownership, or leasing of railroad tank cars.
As a result of the initial telephone conference, CARS GR staff visited Transport Canada directorate dealing with tank cars and their licensing in Canada. Based on this meeting with Transport Canada, CARS GR staff was able to provide an update on tank car issues to U.S.A. RSI staff and clarified the Canadian process for licensing. The current standards pertaining to tank cars in Canada indicate a harmonized approach to licensing to ensure the removal of potential trade (technical licensing of tank cars) barriers between the two countries.