The Real-Time Train Consist Information Rule requires railroads that carry hazardous materials to generate and maintain certain information regarding hazardous materials in rail transportation in electronic form and provide to authorized first responders, emergency response officials, and law enforcement personnel to enhance emergency response and investigative efforts.

These requirements go into effect for the major Class I railroads on June 24, 2025, while smaller Class II and III railroads have until June 24, 2026.

What is Real-Time Train Consist Information?

Real Time Train Consist information is accurate, up-to-date information on the position within a train and contents of railcars containing hazardous materials.

What Are Railroads Required to Do with Electronic Train Consist Information?

Railroads must make electronic train consist information available to emergency responders.

When an incident or accident involving a train carrying hazardous materials occurs, the railroad must electronically transmit the train consist information to the primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP, e.g., 9-1-1 call center).

What Information is Included?

• A railroad-designated emergency response point of contact (including contact phone number); and
   
• The position in the train and contents of each hazardous material rail car by reporting mark and number, to include the:
   
  • Point of origin and destination of the train;
     
  • Shipping paper information for each hazardous material carried on the train, including UN ID #, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group, technical name (if applicable), and quantity; and
     
  • Emergency response information for each hazardous material carried on the train.
     

What Does Real-Time Train Consist Information Look Like?

Railroads must send train consist information to a primary PSAP (e.g., 9-1-1 call center) in a form the PSAP is capable of readily accessing. PSAPs can tell the railroad how they want the information to be sent, such as via email, fax, or through a software application to which both have access.

Learn more about how to comply with the requirements of the rule here -
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/interp/24-0111

What is the Purpose of Real-Time Train Consist Information?

Real-time train consist information is used to help emergency responders identify the hazardous materials involved in a train accident and make informed decisions on response measures so they can protect themselves and the public.