4.2. Communications for Rail Shipments The purposes of the communication requirements for SNF shipments by rail are to: (1) provide escorts with the capability to call for assistance when necessary, (2) permit personnel at the movement control center to monitor the progress of the shipment, and (3) provide the escorts with a way to develop new LLEA contacts quickly and obtain new route information when unexpected detours become necessary. Section 73.37(d)(3) requires the train’s operator(s) and each escort to be equipped with redundant communications abilities that provide for two-way communications among the train operator(s), escorts, movement control center, LLEAs, and one another at all times. Alternate communication methods should not be subject to the same failure modes as the primary communication method. The use of telephones in call boxes located along the tracks generally is not acceptable as one of the communication methods because the telephones may not be available if the train is forced to make an emergency stop. However, call boxes could be relied on for short intervals during which cellular and satellite phone service is unavailable. If the train’s communications system is used, complementary communication capabilities should be provided to ensure that the escorts will have immediate access to the communications equipment when necessary, if it is located a considerable distance from the escort. The shipment route overview should indicate areas where cellular, satellite, or other equivalent communications equipment may not be effective along the route. For such areas, alternate means of communication should be planned. All equipment used to satisfy the communications requirements in 10 CFR 73.37(d)(3) should be maintained properly and checked for proper operation before the shipment begins to ensure that everything is in good operating condition before commencing the shipment. As required by 10 CFR 73.37(d)(4), the licensee must ensure that rail shipments are monitored by a telemetric position monitoring system or an alternative tracking system reporting to the licensee, third-party, or railroad movement control center. The movement control center shall provide positive confirmation of the location of the shipment and its status. The movement control center shall implement preplanned procedures in response to deviations from the authorized route or to a notification of actual, attempted, or suspicious activities related to the theft or diversion of a shipment. These procedures will include, but are not limited to, the identification of and contact information for the appropriate LLEA along the shipment route. The operator in the movement control center is required to monitor the shipping container to ensure its continued integrity while en route and to maintain periodic contact with the transport vehicle, at a frequency not to exceed 2 hours.
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