# AskRail

> Hazardous materials safety tool for first responders in rail incidents. (iPhone/iPad app by Association of American Railroads.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/askrail/id1142325064 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Association of American Railroads](https://appshunter.io/developer/1142325063)
- Category: Reference, Books
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.10/5 from 37 App Store ratings · 12 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 44 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2016-09-06
- Data updated: 2026-07-21
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/askrail/id1142325064/reviews.md

## What is AskRail?

The AskRail app is a hazardous materials safety tool for first responders who are first on scene or directly support the first on scene in the event of a rail incident. Access to certain features, including the ability to query railcar contents based on an equipment number, is restricted to authorized personnel.
 
To obtain authorization to use the restricted features, you must assert that you are a first responder, provide information about your emergency response agency, and identify a supervisor who can attest to your first responder duties. You also must obtain sponsorship from a Class I railroad. This process may take up to several weeks. 
 
AskRail is a collaborative effort among all North American Class I railroads, the Association of American Railroads, Railinc Corp., and the Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
 
For more information about AskRail please visit: www.askrail.us.

## Key features

- Hazardous materials safety information
- Rail incident support
- Query railcar contents
- Emergency response data
- First responder tool

## Recent user reviews (10 of 12)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/askrail/id1142325064/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Extremely Disappointing

*2024-11-23*

As a First Responder, I am very disappointed that the app is now barring me from using it.  The app is designed to work only on the latest iOS which my iPhone will not handle. 
   Since I do not have $1000 for a new iPhone that will run the latest iOS, I will be erasing this app.  I feel this requirement borders on financial discrimination by allowing only those with new, expensive phones to access potentially lifesaving information.

### 5/5 — Derailment

*2024-07-18*

We had a derailment in the middle of our city. This app allowed us to find out what we had leaking and what other materials we had on the train. Worked great, an absolute must for responders that have a rail in their response area.

### 5/5 — Excellent App

*2021-07-24*

Great app

**Developer response:** Thank you for your 5 star review!

### 1/5 — Buggy

*2021-06-11*

Can’t register an account. Won’t let me select USA as a country. Pointless app if you can’t even register for an account.

**Developer response:** We are so sorry to hear this! This is a known issue and we have a release coming very soon which includes a fix. 
In the meantime, there is a workaround. Once you select the drop down and then your choice, you have to tap the drop down field again to close the drop down menu. If this doesn't work or if there are question, please reach out to us at support@askrail.us so that we can investigate this issue?

### 1/5 — No Data

*2020-03-21*

Nothing is listed under contact numbers and even when typing in the demo car RAIX1102, I get no results.
iPhone XR MT3T2LL/A iOS 13.3.1

**Developer response:** Hi 2126500, 
We would really like to resolve this issue, please reach out to support@askrail.us so we can troubleshoot together.

### 4/5 — Great Resource & Information, Needs Landscape View

*2019-09-27*

This app is an absolutely great resource and an absolute for any public safety organization with railway transport systems within their response area.
However, I do wish the developers would allow the app to function in Landscape mode. Other apps used in responses function in Landscape, but when opening this one I have to remove my device from its mount and flip it vertically while using the app. This becomes a pain when having to switch back and forth between different apps.  Given this feature being unavailable I gave a 4 Star review.

**Developer response:** Thank you Soul Thief for your review! Your feedback helps us improve and your insight is invaluable. If you would like to provide any similar feedback on how we can continue to improve the app, especially for on the scene situations, please reach out to support@askrail.us.

### 5/5 — Great Tool for Emergency Responders

*2018-05-16*

This app is a must for all bona-fide emergency responders, and provides quick reliable information to identify the contents of a rail car.  Many great features in the app and easy to use.   It has been very helpful to me during real responses.

**Developer response:** Thank you GA HazMat Responder! Your feedback is very helpful!

### 1/5 — Slow or non existent response

*2018-03-20*

I requested access months ago. Full time first responder and filled out all the fields correctly. I haven’t heard anything back.

**Developer response:** Hi Ghjklpoiuy, 
Once you submit a request for approval in the application, you can still use many of the features of the app. It may take several weeks for the Class 1 sponsoring railroad to review your request and approve it. The sponsor may reach out to you to verify your information. If we can do anything to provide assistance, please reach out to support@askrail.us and let us know you would like help getting in touch with your sponsor for approval.

### 1/5 — Months without access

*2018-03-13*

I requested access months ago and have heard nothing and have sent emails. However other people on our Fire Dept (even lower ranks) were able to get access in less than 2 days.

**Developer response:** Hi Kingsford07, 
We appreciate the feedback. Once your request for approval is submitted, the sponsoring Class 1 railroad must review your information and determine your eligibility and they may reach out to you with questions. 
If we can provide any assistance, please reach out to support@askrail.us and let us know you would like help getting in touch with your sponsor for approval.

### 5/5 — Easy to use, valuable information

*2016-09-02*

The registration process takes a little time, but the app is very useful as an information resource.

## Frequently asked questions about AskRail

### What is AskRail used for?

AskRail is a hazardous materials safety tool designed for first responders who are first on scene or directly support the first on scene in the event of a rail incident. It provides critical information to help manage these emergencies effectively.

### Is AskRail free to use?

Yes, AskRail is available for free. There are no costs associated with downloading or using the basic features of the application.

### Who can access restricted features in AskRail?

Access to restricted features, such as querying railcar contents by equipment number, is limited to authorized personnel. This requires verification of first responder status and sponsorship from a Class I railroad.

### How long does it take to get authorization for restricted features?

The process for obtaining authorization for restricted features may take up to several weeks. This involves providing agency information, supervisor attestation, and railroad sponsorship.

### What devices does AskRail support?

AskRail is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed to be accessible on common Apple mobile platforms.

### What is the age rating for AskRail?

AskRail has an age rating of 12+. This indicates it is suitable for users aged 12 and older.

### How often is AskRail updated?

The latest version of AskRail is 7.2.0, last updated on September 8, 2025. This suggests regular updates to maintain functionality and information accuracy.

### Does AskRail have ads?

No, AskRail does not contain advertisements. The app is ad-free, ensuring an uninterrupted experience for users.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 7.4.0 — 2026-07-15

Descriptions displayed for car statuses
Additional information provided for cars when available
Enhancements to file exports
2 additional filters added

### 7.2.0 — 2025-09-08

A pop-up message is displayed when there is a new version of the app available.
A pop-up message is displayed upon email verification for a revoked user.
Option available for users to export files as CSV or PDF.

### 7.0.0 — 2024-10-31

AskRail 7.0.0 is now available for approved users!
 
What's New?
1. Enable push notifications to ensure you are notified when action is required
2. Users can now manage their devices when adding a new device that exceeds their device limit
3. Minor bug fixes

### 6.4.5 — 2024-07-16

Minor bug fixes.

### 6.4.4 — 2024-06-25

ERG guides and isolation zones are based on 2024 PHMSA published data.

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## More apps by Association of American Railroads

- [Railroad Day 2020](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/railroad-day-2020/id1458562435)

All apps by Association of American Railroads: https://appshunter.io/developer/1142325063

## Related topics

[hazardous materials for first responders](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/hazardous-materials-for-first-responders) · [rail](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/rail) · [weiser](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/weiser) · [csx rail](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/csx-rail)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-21.*