The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is issuing this safety advisory to provide notice to owners and operators of DOT407 and DOT412 specification cargo tank motor vehicles (CTMVs) manufactured by Keith Huber Incorporated. These CTMVs do not comply with the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and do not meet DOT specification requirements in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
This safety advisory is for CTMVs manufactured by Keith Huber Incorporated prior to May 1, 2013.
Please note that Keith Huber Incorporated is no longer in business, and ceased manufacturing CTMVs on or about May 1, 2013. Keith Huber Incorporated is a distinct entity from Keith Huber Corporation which was formed on May 1, 2013. CTMVs manufactured by Keith Huber Corporation on or after May 1, 2013 are not subject to this safety advisory.
Investigation has revealed that Keith Huber Incorporated CTMVs have the following specification shortages:
- The Series III rear end protection device does not meet the requirements of Section 178.345-8(b)(1).
- The 4x4 tube rear end protection device does not meet the requirements of Section 178.345-8(b)(1).
- The CTMVs were manufactured with internal baffles without installing pads on the cargo tank wall.
- The CTMVs may not be equipped with a fusible element as required by Section 178.345-11(b)(1)(iii).
Continued use of the Keith Huber Incorporated CTMVs in specification hazardous materials service is prohibited and the owners and operators of these CTMVs are subject to enforcement and penalties.
Because Keith Huber Incorporated is no longer in business, owners and operators of Keith Huber Incorporated CTMVs affected by this safety notice have the following options:
- Remove the DOT specification plate and take the CTMV out of specification hazardous materials service.
- Have qualified personnel perform the following repairs on the CTMV in accordance with the HMR prior to continued use in specification hazardous materials service.
- Replace the rear end protection device with a device that is compliant with Section 178.345-8(b)(1), including certification by a Design Certifying Engineer.
- If necessary, install a fusible element. Have this done by a Registered Inspector in accordance with Section 178.345-11(b)(1)(iii).
- Install mounting pads for the internal baffle attachments. Have this done by qualified personnel at a cargo tank facility registered with FMCSA and holding a valid National Board Certificate of Authorization for use of the National Board “R” Stamp in accordance with Section 180.413.
For more information or should you have questions concerning this safety advisory, please contact Paul Bomgardner, Chief, Hazardous Materials Division, at 202-493-0027 or by email at [email protected].
