What is the minimum insurance requirement for Toxic Inhalation Hazard (TIH) shipments on BNSF as of September 2024?

The minimum insurance requirement for Toxic Inhalation Hazard (TIH) shipments reflects the potential severe consequences associated with incidents involving hazardous materials that can be inhaled. Liability insurance is crucial in ensuring that financial resources are available to manage the consequences of spills or accidents, particularly when dealing with substances that pose significant health risks upon exposure.

For TIH shipments, which include materials that may cause serious health effects or fatalities when inhaled, the minimum requirement is set at a high level, which underscores the serious nature of the risks involved. A requirement of $100 million establishes a protective financial framework that ensures that sufficient funds are available to cover cleanup, damage, and health care costs in the event of an accident.

This amount is strategically determined based on the potential impacts of releasing toxic materials into the environment, ensuring that both the transporting entity and the community are adequately protected against high-stakes liability scenarios associated with TIH shipments.