Rail Car Identification Chart

CAUTION: Emergency response personnel must be aware that rail tank cars vary widely in construction, fittings and purpose. Tank cars could transport products that may be solids, liquids or gases. The products may be under pressure. It is essential that products be identified by consulting shipping documents or train consist or contacting dispatch centers before emergency response is initiated.

The information stenciled on the sides or ends of tank cars, as illustrated, may be used to identify the product utilizing;

• a. the commodity name shown; or
• b. the other information shown, especially reporting marks and car number which when supplied to a dispatch center, will facilitate the identification of the product.

* The recommended guides should be considered as last resort if the material cannot be identified by any other means.

• For flammable, non-flammable, toxic and/or liquefied compressed gases
• Protective housing
• No bottom fittings
• Pressures usually above 40 psi

• For variety of hazardous and non-hazardous materials
• Fittings and valves normally visible at the top of the tank
• Some may have bottom outlet valve
• Pressures usually below 25 psi

• For flammable liquids (e.g., Petroleum crude oil, ethanol)
• Protective housing separate from manway
• Bottom outlet valve
• Pressures usually below 25 psi

• For refrigerated liquefied gases (cryogenic liquids)
• Vacuum-insulated railcars (tank within a tank)
• Fittings compartment located in a cabinet at ground level of the tank
• Pressures range from 10 - 75 psi

• For general freight that carry bulk or non-bulk packages
• May transport hazardous materials in small packages or "tote bins"
• Single or double sliding door

• For bulk commodities and bulk cargo (e.g., coal, ore, cement and solid granular materials)
• Bulk lading discharged by gravity through hopper bottom doors when doors opened