The purpose of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act is to provide
much-needed protection to people, property, and the environment when hazardous
materials are transported anywhere in the U.S. or internationally. By
coordinating efforts between shippers, carriers, tank car builders, and
governments, safer transport practices can be implemented and followed.
Thanks to HMTA and efforts by the Federal Railroad Administration, rail
tank car accidents involving hazardous materials are rare. When they do
occur, however, they have the potential to be catastrophic.