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Season Four Research Files
Episode Eighteen
12:00am - 1:00am
Since its establishment in 1975, the Office of Transportation and Safeguards (OST) has accumulated more than 100 million miles of over-the-road experience transporting Energy Department cargo with no accidents causing a fatality or release of radioactive material. The Albuquerque-based OST operates a fleet of special 18-wheel tractor-trailers to transport nuclear weapons, nuclear materials and components of those weapons.
The vehicles are ruggedly designed to survive severe accidents, and their thermal characteristics would allow the trailer to be totally engulfed in a fire without incurring damage to the cargo. They also are equipped with various deterrents to prevent unauthorized removal of cargo and to protect against attack. Armed federal agents accompany each convoy of one or more trucks and their escort vehicles. These tractors and escort vehicles are equipped with communications, electronic, and other equipment that further enhance en-route safety and security.
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