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Surface Transportation Reauthorization
Home > Events > Peters, July 17, 2002 > Exhibit 3

Exhibit 3 - Model of the Fuel Distribution System

Diagram: Although there can be variations in the process, in the basic system fuel moves from the oil refinery in bulk shipment, by pipeline, ship, or barge, to a terminal. A terminal is a storage and distribution facility. The terminal "rack" refers to the mechanism used to dispense motor fuel products from the terminal into tank trucks or rail cars. The expression "above the rack" is sometimes used to refer to the bulk transfer system that is made up of all of the facilities for the movement and storage of gasoline and diesel fuel from refinery to terminal. The bulk transfer system includes terminals, pipelines, barges, ships, and domestic refineries.
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