May 2004

New Container System Handles Transport of Radioactive Materials

Pittsburgh, PA— MHF Logistical Solutions Inc. (MHF-LS), transportation and materials handling specialists serving the nuclear industry and others, unveiled its new Shielded Multi-Use Type-A Container Transport System at the Waste Management Symposium held in Tucson, Arizona.

MHF-LS’ new container system is designed to transport radioactive materials that require shielding for regulatory compliance. Because the top-loading, lead-lined container fits on trucks and also can be transported securely on rail cars, the new container system may be used as part of a seamless intermodal shipping process, from point of origin to final disposal site. The container may be loaded and unloaded using existing methods and equipment in place at nuclear facilities.

As part of its private fleet of transportation equipment, MHF-LS offers high-capacity articulated flat railcars that can each transport four of the Shielded Multi-Use Type-A Containers.

The container, designed by and built for MHF-LS, is certified for use in North America and internationally.

“Our new container system is an important development in the nuclear and waste management fields,” said Gene Gleason, MHF-LS nuclear program manager. “By making it easier to adopt intermodal shipping, we can help customers harness the many advantages of rail transport even if their facility is not served by rail. That can mean substantial cost savings.”

Gleason noted that the new container system also is a boost to public safety. “Intermodal truck-to-rail shipping helps avoid having to move materials on roads through populated areas,” he said. “In this age of heightened concern about safety and security, that is a major factor for the industry.”