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The primary purpose of regulations in the railway industry is to ensure safe operating conditions.
Rail industry standards ensure interchangeability of equipment, while considering the economic realities of industry-wide competitiveness. These standards, also contribute greatly to safety.
Canada, United States and Mexico generally accept regulatory differences on railcars moving from neighboring countries.
Exemptions from the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the U.S. and Special Permits from Transport Canada can grant legal permission for a shipper or car owner to not comply with a regulation, provided that other means are used to provide an equivalent level of safety. There is however, no Canada/U.S reciprocity for exemptions and Special Permits, so cross-border transport may require both.
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