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CHAPTER 3
Summary of Interviews with
Carriers, Shippers, and
Database Managers
Carriers, shippers, and accident database managers were interviewed to ascertain their
knowledge of reporting requirements, learn how they investigate accidents, and gather
their suggestions for improving accident databases to support root cause analysis. Database
managers were asked to discuss process changes or new initiatives for the databases they are
managing.
3.1 Introduction
To learn about their internal process for investigating accidents and determining their root
causes, carriers and shippers were questioned about their knowledge of accident databases. Rep-
resentative examples of the questionnaires are included in Appendix A (available on the TRB
website at www.TRB.org by searching for HMCRP Report 1). Appendix B (also available on the
TRB website at www.TRB.org by searching for HMCRP Report 1) contains the results of this
effort. In several instances, based on the wishes of the interviewee, the questioning became more
"free form" and did not precisely follow the questioning order. Nevertheless, the interviews pro-
vided the project team with valuable insights into the carrier or shipper's process for identifying
the root causes of hazmat accidents.
Table B-1 in Appendix B (available on the TRB website at www.TRB.org by searching for
HMCRP Report 1) displays shipment and operator information for the 13 carriers who responded
to a request to complete an interview from the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) and the
three extremely large carriers that were interviewed via telephone. Table B-2 in Appendix B dis-
plays the freight carriers' responses to questions involving a hypothetical hazmat accident in
which the vehicle drove off the road. The names of the carriers have not been included in the
table in order to protect the confidentiality of the respondents. Each carrier response is grouped
in somewhat arbitrary categories based on the number of power units operated by the company.
The following are the categories used for the table:
· Small, less than 100 power units;
· Medium, 100 to 299 power units;
· Large, 300 to 499 power units;
· Very large, 500 to 999 power units; and
· Extremely large, 1,000 or more power units.
The carriers are listed in the order that the questionnaires were received by the researchers.
Appendix B also includes the text of an interview with a major water carrier.
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