$3.8 Million in Fines Issued to Cargo Tank Firm for Hazmat Violations
The company was fined for manufacturing and selling unsafe nurse tanks—a type of cargo tank used to store and transport anhydrous ammonia, a hazardous material used in farming operations.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently announced $3.8 million in fines against American Welding & Tank LLC (AWT) of Fremont, Ohio, for violating federal hazardous materials safety standards. The company was fined for manufacturing and selling unsafe nurse tanks—a type of cargo tank used to store and transport anhydrous ammonia, a hazardous material used in farming operations.
“Safety is our highest priority, and we are committed to protecting motorists from accidents involving the transport of hazardous materials,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We are sending a strong message that companies will face serious consequences when they do not make safety a top priority.”
FMCSA conducted a safety investigation of AWT’s Fremont manufacturing plant following reports of safety defects with recently manufactured nurse tanks. After investigating the company’s welding practices and safety records, FMCSA discovered a pattern of AWT failing to manufacture, maintain, repair, and sell nurse tanks that meet federal hazardous materials safety standards.
“When cargo tank manufacturers are not living up to federal safety standards, we will take action,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “Our agency is committed to using every resource available to keep our roads safe and save lives.”