Abstracts and Available Papers Presented at the
1997 International RERTR Meeting

CURRENT TRENDS
IN NUCLEAR MATERIAL TRANSPORTATION

Mr. Norman Ravenscroft
Ms. Franchone Oshinowo
Edlow International Company
1666 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. #201
Washington, D.C. 20009 U.S.A.

The business of radioactive material transportation has evolved considerably in the past 40 years. Current practices reflect extensive international experience in handling radioactive cargo within a mature and tested regulatory framework. Nevertheless, new developments continue to have an impact on how shipments of nuclear material are planned and carried out. Entities involved in the transport of radioactive materials must keep abreast of these developments and work together to find innovative solutions to ensure that safe, smooth transport activities may continue.

Several recent trends in the regulatory environment and political atmosphere require attention. There are four key trends that we'll be examining today: 1) the reduction in the pool of available commercial carriers; 2) routing restrictions; 3) package validation issues; and 4) increasing political sensitivities. Careful planning and cooperative measures are necessary to alleviate problems in each of these areas.