Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

ATA, CTA Call to on Government to Abandon Proposed Tanker Wetline Regulation

The American Trucking Associations and the Canadian Trucking Alliance called on the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to abandon proposed wetline regulations

by Staff
April 28, 2011
2 min to read


The American Trucking Associations and the Canadian Trucking Alliance called on the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to abandon proposed wetline regulations.


Wetlines are metal tubes that run along the underbelly of tank trucks used to transfer fuel into and out of the tanker. They are known to contain residue amounts of liquids following the loading process. PHMSA has proposed that for tank trailers containing flammable liquids, a limit of one liter of residue per line should be allowed, or the tank trailer should be fitted with bottom damage protection devices.

The rule would cover tank trailers carrying Class 3 flammable liquids, which includes gasoline and other products. Most straight trucks are exempted and existing trailers would have 12 years to come into compliance.

American Trucking Associations told the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration it "strongly opposes" the proposal. In comments filed April 27, ATA said PHMSA should drop its proposal because the costs associated with the rule "far exceed the purported public safety benefits."

"Earlier this year, President Obama called on his regulatory agencies to examine their rules and to eliminate those that don't make sense, this wetlines proposal is a perfect example of one of those rules," ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said.

Similarly, in its official comments to the PHMSA on behalf of Canadian transborder tank truck carriers, the Canadian Trucking Alliance argued that there is no clear-cut rationale for a proposed regulation on wetlines and suggested that the current regulatory proposal should be withdrawn.

In its analysis of the proposed regulation, "Hazardous Materials: Safety Requirements for External Product Piping on Cargo Tanks Transporting Flammable Liquids," CTA concluded that the cost-benefit study accompanying the proposal did not present any clear evidence to justify regulation. CTA noted that a previous attempt to regulate wetlines in 2006 was also withdrawn because it could not be justified on a cost-benefit basis.

In addition to concerns surrounding the cost-benefit analysis, CTA raised questions about the lack of industry experience with proposed wetline purging methods, and with the absence of a discussion in the proposed rule about safety hazards associated with retrofitting tank trailers.

The National Tank Truck Carriers Conference also opposes the proposal, saying it is bogus on economic and safety grounds, NTTC President John Conley said in comments published in Bulk Transporter.

"The retrofit that the regulation would mandate on existing trailers could well kill more cargo tank shop workers than it will ever prevent fatalities of motorists who plow into the side of gasoline tankers." The heat from welding wetlines purging equipment onto the tank could ignite fumes inside the tank, he said.

More Drivers

Artist rendering of dealership with trucks and trailers parked outside
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 2, 2026

Prime Inc. to Open $7.9M Flagship Used-Truck Dealership

A new driver-focused facility to sell Prime Inc's used trucks and trailers will be the first purpose-built location in the company's history.

Read More →
Thumbnail for podcast episode
Safety & ComplianceMay 28, 2026

Short Takes: Inside K&B’s Truck Safety Tech

Listen to learn how K&B Transportation uses cellphone-blocking technology, speed management systems, weather geofencing, bridge avoidance tools, and more to improve driver safety.

Read More →
Nussbaum driver pay.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 27, 2026

Nussbaum Expands Driver Compensation with Pay Raises, Profit Sharing

Nussbaum Transportation said its latest compensation package could push first-year driver earnings above $90,000 in key hiring markets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Lance Evans, Director of Safety at K&B Transportation.
Safety & ComplianceMay 13, 2026

Listen: Inside Modern Fleet Safety: AI, Cameras & Speed Control at K&B Transportation

Fleet safety is evolving fast—and technology is at the center of it. Learn how a former commercial vehicle enforcement officer turned director of safety at K&B Transportation is embracing real-world safety technology.

Read More →
Maverick Transportation Freightliner Cascadia.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 12, 2026

Maverick Announces 2026 Driver Pay Raises

New raises for Maverick Transportation drivers will take effect on May 31, 2026.

Read More →
Alleged Ohio toll evasion truck.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 5, 2026

Illinois Trucker Indicted for Nearly $22,000 in Ohio Turnpike Toll Evasion

Authorities say an Illinois trucker avoided paying tolls for two years, and now faces felony charges, possible prison time, and forfeiture of his Freightliner tractor.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with trojan horse and lock with inside of cargo container in background
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 23, 2026

New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems

Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.

Read More →
Female truck driver.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

WIM, Trucker Path Name Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops

ATA’s Women In Motion Council and Trucker Path highlight three truck stops that meet all seven safety-focused criteria and rank highest among female drivers.

Read More →
Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →