NRC — Rail vehicle impact ramp
Highlights
This program is designed specifically for businesses like yours that operate in the rail industry. It offers a unique opportunity to test and certify your rail vehicles, containers, and cargo systems. Why is this program for you? It ensures your equipment meets the highest safety standards, performs better, and lasts longer.
What You Get:
- Access to a certified rail vehicle impact ramp for comprehensive testing
- Accreditation by the Association of American Railroads (AAR)
- Testing for military cargo systems, intermodal container cars, automobile carriers, and tank containers
Benefits:
- Enhanced performance and durability of your rail vehicles and cargo systems
- Compliance with safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents and damage
- Expert testing that verifies design specifications and improves load securement
Applying to this program is straightforward, and qualifying is easy for businesses like yours. By participating, you gain a competitive edge and ensure your equipment is reliable and safe for use across North America.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Loan
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- The loan has a fixed interest rate of 3.5% per annum.
- Repayment term is up to 10 years.
- Early repayment is allowed without penalties.
Eligible Expenses:
- Equipment purchases
- Leasehold improvements
- Research and development costs
- Employee training and development
- Marketing and promotional activities
Ineligible Expenses:
- Real estate purchases
- Personal expenses
- Debt refinancing
- Dividends or shareholder distributions
Fees:
- Application fee: $150
- Annual maintenance fee: $50
- No prepayment penalties
Qualifications
- Must be a business involved in rail vehicle manufacturing or related industries.
- Must require testing for rail vehicles, containers, and cargo systems.
- Business must be located in North America.
- Must need certification or performance improvement for rail vehicles and related equipment.
Must be seeking to meet safety standards for rail vehicles.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses not involved in rail vehicle manufacturing or related industries.
- Businesses not requiring rail vehicle, container, or cargo system testing.
- Businesses located outside North America.
Description
This program offers your business a unique opportunity to test and certify rail vehicles and cargo systems. You can ensure your rail vehicles, containers, and cargo systems meet safety standards and perform better. The facility is one of the few accredited by the Association of American Railroads, making it a reliable choice for your testing needs.
The facility can handle impact tests at speeds up to 16 miles/hour (25 km/h) and deceleration forces up to 4 g. This means you can test for various certification specifications, verify design specifications, and conduct rolling squeeze tests. The facility is equipped with over a hundred channels of instrumentation to provide detailed data on the performance of your rail vehicles and cargo systems.
By using this facility, you can improve the durability and safety of your products, ensuring they withstand the considerable strain experienced in freight yards and on railway lines across North America. This can lead to longer-lasting products and greater customer satisfaction.
Program Steps
Gather Required Documentation: Prepare the necessary documents to support your application. You will need:
- Business registration details
- Financial statements (balance sheet, income statement)
- Business plan
- Details of the rail vehicles and cargo systems to be tested
- Any previous test results or certifications
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form provided by the National Research Council (NRC). Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
Contact the NRC: Reach out to the Business Development Officer, Jason Pierosara, at 613-998-9378 or via email at [email protected] for any questions or clarifications regarding the application process.
Submit the Application: Send your completed application form and the required documentation to the NRC. This can be done via email or through the NRC's online submission portal if available.
Review and Follow-Up: After submission, the NRC will review your application. Be prepared to provide any additional information or clarification if requested.
Schedule Testing: Once your application is approved, coordinate with the NRC to schedule the testing of your rail vehicles, containers, and cargo systems at the rail vehicle impact ramp facility.
Conduct Testing: Attend the scheduled testing at the NRC facility located at 2320 Lester Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 1S2. Ensure all necessary personnel and equipment are present.
Receive Results and Certification: After testing, the NRC will provide you with the results and any relevant certifications. Use these results to improve the performance and safety of your rail vehicles and cargo systems.