DOT renews farm cart extension for propane.

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has renewed the farm cart exemption (E-11209) authorizing the transportation of liquefied propane gas in non-DOT specification cargo tank motor vehicles exclusively for agricultural purposes when operated by a private carrier. The renewed exemption is valid through August 30, 2006.

The demand for propane has increased because of its use for poultry house sanitation, weed control and proven applications such as grain drying, farm heating and irrigation, according to Mark Leitman, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) Agriculture Programs Manager.

The exempt transportation is limited to the movement of a cargo tank, which has been charged to the appropriate filling limits as specified in the regulations, between one field and another, using the shortest practical distance on public roads. Transportation of a cargo tank between the point of use and a propane distribution facility is limited to the tank containing no more than 5 percent of its water capacity.

In order to qualify for the exemption, cargo tanks must have a minimum design pressure of 250 pounds per square inch gauge (psig), meet the requirement of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code at the time the tank was manufactured, and be marked accordingly. Cargo tanks must also have a water capacity of 1,200 gallons or less, conform to National Fire Protection Association Code 58, and be mounted securely on a motor vehicle. A copy of the exemption must be carried aboard each motor vehicle used to transport propane, and a copy of the exemption must be maintained at each facility where propane is sold or re-offered for transportation. For more information about the exemption, go to www.npga.org.