The Association of American Railroads’ NAR Program captures U.S. and Canadian data on non-accident releases, maintains a computerized database of these incidents and encourages the industry to address the causes of the releases.

AAR does not release information concerning the incidents reported in this program without your consent. Any statistics we release with respect to incidents occurring over time will be aggregate numbers and will not identify the individual shippers or carriers involved. Summary data is available to help you track your individual progress in reducing NARs. We look forward to continuing progress in this cooperative, inter-industry program to address a problem of mutual concern.

Quick Facts

  • A hazardous materials NAR is the unintentional release of a hazardous material while in transportation, including loading and unloading while in railroad possession, that is not caused by a derailment, collision or other rail-related accident.
  • NARs consist of leaks, splashes, and other releases from improperly secured or defective valves, fittings, and tank shells and also include venting of non-atmospheric gases from safety relief devices.
  • Effective January 1997, normal safety venting of atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen is no longer considered a NAR.
  • The vast majority of reported NARs involve small quantities.

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