What TRANSCAER does

TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response) is a North American nonprofit outreach program established in 1986 and operated under the American Chemistry Council, Inc. The program assists communities and trains emergency responders to prepare for and respond to hazardous materials transportation incidents across the United States, Canada (via a Canadian website transcaer.ca), and Mexico (launched in 2021). It is administered through CHEMTREC, which provides 24/7 call center support and houses the TRANSCAER Director role, and is delivered by a volunteer network of state and regional coordinators with named contacts documented in nearly all 50 US states plus Canada and Mexico.

The core product surface combines hands-on in-person classroom training events, a self-paced online Learning Management System (LMS) hosted by Pathstream (PathLMS) with certificate-bearing courses, an Augmented Reality mobile app (TRANSCAER AR Training II) on the Apple App Store offering six interactive railcar simulation scenarios, BNSF-branded Virtual Reality modules, the Seconds Count video series distributed via Vimeo, and The Hazmat Files podcast distributed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and Pandora. Supporting products include Commodity Flow Studies provided by participating railroads, the TRIPR rail incident preparedness curriculum, the Hazmat Fusion Center partnership with the IAFC, a Hazmat Team Response Fund that issues grants to fire departments, and the Safety SAM children's community education program.

TRANSCAER is funded by corporate memberships priced at four tiers (Bronze $1,000, Silver $2,500, Gold $5,000, Chairman's Club $10,000 USD annually) and by sponsorships from approximately twelve nonprofit industry and transportation trade associations, including ACC, API, AAR, RFA, The Chlorine Institute, TFI, CLNG, AIHA Guideline Foundation, CIRI, The Sulphur Institute, ISDI, and ASK Distribution Consulting, along with all major North American Class I railroads (BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, CN, CPKC) and federal agencies (PHMSA, FRA, FMCSA). All training is provided free of charge to attendees, and a portion of each corporate membership fee is directed to the Hazmat Team Response Fund. Annual scale is reported at more than 30,000 emergency responders trained across the three countries.

Name

TRANSCAER

Legal name

American Chemistry Council, Inc.

Website

https://transcaer.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

TRANSCAER is a nonprofit outreach program under the American Chemistry Council that delivers free hazardous-materials transportation training to emergency responders across the US, Canada, and Mexico via hands-on events, an LMS, AR/VR apps, video, and a podcast, funded by corporate memberships and industry-association sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Corporate Memberships: TRANSCAER generates revenue through four tiers of corporate memberships: Chairman's Club ($10,000), Gold ($5,000), Silver ($2,500), and Bronze ($1,000). A portion of each membership fee ($500-$3,000) is directed exclusively to the Hazmat Team Response Fund, which provides grants to emergency responder teams for equipment and advanced training. Training services remain free to all participants.
2. Sponsorships: Sponsors — limited to nonprofit industry and transportation trade associations — provide financial and operational support to enable free training delivery. Sponsors include American Chemistry Council, American Petroleum Institute, Association of American Railroads, CHEMTREC, Renewable Fuels Association, The Chlorine Institute, The Fertilizer Institute, The Sulphur Institute, AIHA Guideline Foundation, Chemical Insights Research Institute, and Center for Liquefied Natural Gas.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

TRANSCAER is a North American outreach program that delivers free hazardous materials transportation safety training to emergency responders and communities. It operates through in-person hands-on events, a self-paced Learning Management System (LMS), an augmented reality mobile app, virtual reality modules, video series, podcasts, and a grant fund. The program is coordinated by a volunteer network of state coordinators and is sponsored by chemical, petroleum, railroad, and other industry trade associations.

Product overview

TRANSCAER (Transportation Community Awareness Emergency Response) is a North American outreach program since 1986 focused on assisting communities and training emergency responders for hazardous material transportation incidents. The organization operates as a network of free training programs and resources delivered through sponsors, partners, and state coordinators across the US, Mexico, and Canada. The core offering combines hands-on in-person training events, an online Learning Management System (LMS) with self-paced video courses, an Augmented Reality Training App for iOS, and Virtual Reality modules. Supporting offerings include the Seconds Count video series, The Hazmat Files podcast, TRANSCAER Today Magazine, the Safety SAM community education program, a Hazmat Team Response Fund providing grants for equipment and training, TRIPR rail incident preparedness resources, Commodity Flow Studies, and an Awards Program recognizing hazmat safety achievements. Regional operations include TRANSCAER Mexico and Canada branches, with a State Coordinator Program mobilizing volunteers across all covered regions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Safety SAM: A kid-friendly initiative featuring SAM the Safety Squirrel that teaches children about railroad crossing safety and emergency preparedness through educational materials and community programs.
• Seconds Count
• The Hazmat Files
• TRANSCAER AR Training App

Products and services

• Hands-On Hazmat Training Events
• Online Training Courses (LMS)
• TRANSCAER Augmented Reality (AR) Training App
• Virtual Reality Training Modules
• Seconds Count Video Series
• Exercises and Drills Support
• Hazmat Team Response Fund
• Commodity Flow Studies
• TRANSCAER Mexico
• TRIPR Resource Materials

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 30,000 emergency responders trained annually across the US, Canada, and Mexico
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• American Chemistry Council (ACC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACC is a primary sponsor of TRANSCAER, supporting the delivery of free hazmat training to emergency responders. ACC fosters progress in the chemistry industry and invests in accident prevention and public safety education. ACC manages TRANSCAER under its umbrella organization.
• CHEMTRECcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCHEMTREC provides 24/7 call center support during hazardous materials incidents, connecting emergency responders with manufacturers, shippers, carriers, and government agencies. CHEMTREC serves as the program administrator and primary contact for TRANSCAER, managing the TRANSCAER Director role and coordinating training logistics.
• American Petroleum Institute (API)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPI is a trade association representing all facets of the natural gas and oil industry, formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. API sponsors TRANSCAER to promote safety across the industry globally and influence public policy in support of a strong, viable U.S. oil and natural gas industry.
• Association of American Railroads (AAR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAAR is the leading policy, research, and technology organization for the U.S. freight rail industry, advocating for safety and productivity. Through subsidiaries TTCI and Railinc, AAR drives research to enhance safety, security, and efficiency. AAR sponsors TRANSCAER and provides railroad hazmat training resources.
• The Chlorine InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1924, The Chlorine Institute represents 200 companies involved in the safe production, distribution, and use of chlorine and related chemicals. CI promotes safety through educational outreach, including free hands-on and virtual emergency response training events in partnership with TRANSCAER. Its CHLOREP mutual aid program provides rapid expert support and emergency deployment across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
• The Fertilizer Institute (TFI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTFI represents the U.S. fertilizer industry covering all parts of the supply chain, supporting members through advocacy, education, and communications. TFI sponsors TRANSCAER and has created anhydrous ammonia safety training videos in partnership with TRANSCAER for emergency responders.
• Renewable Fuels Association (RFA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRFA is the leading trade association for America's ethanol industry, driving growth in sustainable renewable fuels. RFA sponsors TRANSCAER and has created ethanol training and emergency response courses in partnership with the program for emergency responders in areas where ethanol is manufactured, stored, or shipped.
• Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (CLNG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLNG advocates for public policies that advance the use of LNG and its export, representing the full LNG value chain. CLNG sponsors TRANSCAER and hosts LNG Safety & Emergency Response Training workshops in partnership with TRANSCAER in communities across the U.S.
• AIHA Guideline FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIHA Guideline Foundation, formed in 2009, oversees development of community exposure guidelines (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines) and consensus-based standards development. As a nonprofit, it may also conduct research to educate the public. It sponsors TRANSCAER and has created an ERPG course in the TRANSCAER LMS.
• Chemical Insights Research Institute (CIRI) of UL Research InstitutescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIRI advances research, education, and communication on environmental exposures from technologies and their impact on human health. As a nonprofit, it provides data and resources to help manufacturers, educators, healthcare providers, and consumers make informed decisions. It sponsors TRANSCAER and developed the Clearing the Air on Wildfire Smoke toolkit.
• The Sulphur InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Sulphur Institute is a nonprofit trade association with members that transport sulphuric acid and molten sulphur via tank car and tank truck throughout North America. Combined, acid and sulphur are the fourth largest rail tank car movement by volume in North America. One of their key value drivers is training and education for the industry and that includes how to plan for and react to emergency response.
• ASK Distribution ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASK Distribution Consulting, an LLC wholly owned by ACD, provides auditing, safety, and knowledge services. Building on ACD's 53-year history of being the center for education and safety resources for members and Affiliates, ASK Distribution Consulting provides services to any company active in the movement of complex chemicals. It sponsors TRANSCAER.
• BNSF RailwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBNSF Railway is one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America. BNSF sponsors TRANSCAER and is committed to safety, providing hazardous materials commodity flow reports and training resources for emergency responders through the TRANSCAER network.
• CSX TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSX Transportation is a major U.S. freight railroad. CSX sponsors TRANSCAER and provides CSX Emergency Response to Railroad Incidents training courses, the CSX Responder Incident Train, and railroad hazmat safety resources for first responders.
• Norfolk Southern CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorfolk Southern is a major U.S. freight railroad. NS sponsors TRANSCAER and provides Railroad 101, Tank Car Valves and Fittings, Tank Car Identification, and Locomotive Fires training courses through the TRANSCAER LMS.
• Union Pacific RailroadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnion Pacific is a major U.S. freight railroad. Union Pacific sponsors TRANSCAER and provides Hazmat Management - Railroading 101 training through the TRANSCAER LMS, and hosts Tank Car Safety Courses in partnership with TRANSCAER.
• CN RailwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCN is a major North American freight railway. CN sponsors TRANSCAER and provides hazardous materials commodity flow information and first responder resources through the TRANSCAER network.
• CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCPKC is a major North American railway formed by the merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. CPKC sponsors TRANSCAER and provides Hazmat Awareness Training through the TRANSCAER LMS, along with CPKC Railroad 101 training events.
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPHMSA protects people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy and hazardous materials. The agency sets and enforces standards, establishes policy, educates, and conducts research to prevent incidents. PHMSA is a TRANSCAER partner supporting hazmat preparedness.
• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe FRA was created by the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 and is concerned with intermodal transportation. Its mission is to enable the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods. FRA is a TRANSCAER partner supporting rail safety preparedness.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFMCSA ensures safety in motor carrier operations by enforcing regulations, targeting high-risk carriers and drivers, improving safety systems and vehicle technologies. It is a TRANSCAER partner supporting highway hazmat safety preparedness.
• National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe NVFC is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. It serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable resources, programs, education, and advocacy. NVFC is a TRANSCAER partner and has developed the Fire Department Pipeline Response Emergency Planning and Preparedness Toolkit.
• International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. Its members are experts in firefighting, EMS, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety policy. The IAFC Hazmat Fusion Center is a key TRANSCAER resource partner.
• North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAFTD is a national organization of fire training leaders from North America. It serves as a key point of contact for state, provincial, territorial, and federal agencies, promoting best practices in fire training, education, and research. Each year, NAFTD members provide training to over one million career and volunteer fire service personnel in the U.S. and Canada. NAFTD is a TRANSCAER partner.
• Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOLI is a national rail safety nonprofit dedicated to ending collisions, deaths, and injuries around railroad tracks and trains. Since 1972, OLI has promoted safety through public education programs across the U.S. OLI is a TRANSCAER partner, co-hosting the Railroad Investigation and Safety Course for Law Enforcement (RISC-LE) with TRANSCAER.
• Industrial Steel Drum Institute (ISDI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISDI is a trade association representing the industrial steel drum industry. ISDI has partnered with TRANSCAER to educate first responders on the basic components of steel drums and how to manage them during an event, creating the Steel Drums 101 online course.
• Corporativo CYDSAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporativo CYDSA is a TRANSCAER Mexico regional coordinator organization. CYDSA supports the delivery of free hazmat training in Mexico through the TRANSCAER Mexico program.
• Grupo México Transportes - Ferromex (GMXT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrupo México Transportes (Ferromex) is a TRANSCAER Mexico regional coordinator and corporate member. It supports the delivery of free hazmat training in Mexico through the TRANSCAER Mexico program.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• American Petroleum Institute (API): Major oil and natural gas industry trade association that sponsors TRANSCAER and conducts its own safety and emergency response training programs across a broader petroleum-industry scope.
• Center for Liquefied Natural Gas (CLNG): Industry advocacy organization representing the LNG value chain that co-hosts LNG Safety & Emergency Response Training workshops with TRANSCAER; comparable emergency response training focus but narrower commodity scope.
• National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC): Nonprofit membership association for volunteer firefighters that developed the Fire Department Pipeline Response Emergency Planning and Preparedness Toolkit in partnership with TRANSCAER; serves the same volunteer responder segment with overlapping training content.
• International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC): Leading membership association for fire and emergency service chiefs worldwide; runs the Hazmat Fusion Center as a partner with TRANSCAER and delivers broader fire and hazmat training programs to a similar responder audience.

Direct peers

• CHEMTREC: 24/7 hazardous materials emergency call center operated by the American Chemistry Council; serves as TRANSCAER's program administrator and shares the same parent organization, mission (hazmat incident preparedness), and end users (first responders, shippers, carriers).
• The Chlorine Institute: Trade association that delivers free hands-on and virtual emergency response training for chlorine and related chemicals, including the CHLOREP mutual aid program across the US, Canada, and Mexico—a directly comparable hazmat responder training mission.
• Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI): National nonprofit rail safety education organization that, like TRANSCAER, delivers free safety outreach training to first responders and the public and co-hosts the RISC-LE course with TRANSCAER; comparable mission, funding model (industry-supported), and target audience.
• Lion Technology: Commercial provider of DOT/HazMat Employee training, OSHA compliance, and emergency response courses; competes for the same first-responder and hazmat-worker training audience as TRANSCAER but on a paid basis rather than industry-sponsored free model.
• BST Consulting: Commercial safety, environmental, and hazmat training consultancy serving chemical, petroleum, and transportation clients; offers comparable emergency response training content but via a paid, for-profit delivery model.

Others

• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA): US DOT agency responsible for rail safety regulation and policy that partners with TRANSCAER; an enabling/regulatory peer shaping the same rail-hazmat responder training environment rather than a direct commercial competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/transcaer
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtkxnPj5AeeMcuvjJym2WdQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/TRANSCAER
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/transcaer
• Instagraminstagram.com/transcaer

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TRANSCAER