This tank car has been nicknamed “the tank car of the future” and is designed to comply with DOT117 standards. Approximately ⅓ of tank cars in North America transport flammables such as crude oil and ethanol, and for the longest time DOT111 was the standard regulation for such tank cars. Unfortunately, these older cars had minimal protection for fittings and valves, and the National Transportation Safety Board noted that these cars had a high percentage of tank failure during accidents. After multiple tank car accidents throughout 2013-2014, it was clear that something would have to change. The DOT117 was introduced and came with an increased steel frame, thermal protection, and additional safety adjustments.