What happens when you're cited for incorrect bulk package marking? Answers on OOS risk, next steps, and how this violation compares to other hazmat codes.
Ranks #2,113 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 0.0% is below the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Bulk package marking incorrect size
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
No. Across our 13 million inspection records, 172.302B citations result in a 0.0% out-of-service rate — none of the 14 all-time citations led to an OOS placement. For context, the average FMCSR code carries a 31.4% OOS rate, so this violation is treated as a documentation or marking issue rather than an immediate safety hazard requiring vehicle removal.
Much less severe than most hazmat codes. Our data shows peer violations in the same category have dramatically higher OOS rates: general loading/unloading hazmat (177.834A-HMC) sits at 99.2% OOS, placarding violations (177.817a) at 75.1%, and damaged package movement (177.823a) at 51.8%. At 0.0% OOS, 172.302B is classified as the lowest-enforcement hazmat marking code — comparable only to placard maintenance (172.516c6 at 1.6% OOS) and Emergency Response info access (172.602c1 at 0.0% OOS).
First, document your citation details and the specific packaging you were transporting. Review the marking on the bulk package — verify the size designation is correct per DOT requirements. Co-occurring violations in our data include cargo securement issues (393.104F4/R, 393.110B) and brake tubing damage (393.45B2UV), so do a full vehicle inspection. If the marking was genuinely correct or a documentation error, you can contest through FMCSA's DataQs system within 15 days of the inspection report date.
Our inspection records over the last 180 days show Texas leads with 2 citations and 0 out-of-service placements. Given only 2 citations recorded in the last 12 months nationally, 172.302B is a rare violation — it ranks 2,083rd out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. This is not a high-enforcement code across states.
Stable and rare. Over the last 12 months, our database shows only 2 citations for this code. In the last 90 days, 2 citations were issued — both in the last two months of our tracking (February and March 2026). This low and steady trend suggests enforcement is routine but not escalating. You're unlikely to encounter this violation unless your bulk package marking is genuinely non-compliant.
TRANSPORTACION CARRETERA SA DE CV (USDOT 3100833) has 4 all-time citations for this code, followed by DAN WILLIAMS COMPANY (USDOT 611817) with 3. Seven other carriers have one citation each. All 14 citations across our records show 0% OOS, indicating this violation is tracked but not used as grounds for vehicle removal — typically it's resolved through corrective documentation or marking repair.
Yes. If you believe the marking was compliant or the inspector made an error, you can file a DataQs record dispute (Request for Data Review) within 15 days of receiving your inspection report. Since 172.302B is a visual/documentation finding rather than a broken piece of equipment, contestation often succeeds if you can show photos or shipping documentation proving the bulk package marking met DOT size requirements. Work with your safety manager to gather evidence quickly.
Kenworth (KW) leads with 6 citations across our all-time data, followed by vehicles classified as "other" makes (OTHR) at 5, and International (INTL) at 4. The violation appears across multiple vehicle types, suggesting it's related to cargo and hazmat compliance practices rather than a specific truck model's design or equipment. Focus on your marking procedures, not your vehicle brand.
Where 172.302B is most commonly cited (last 180 days)
TruckCodex aggregates official public-sector datasets. See the Source registry for dataset-level coverage and the Freshness log for last-import timestamps.
Census, SAFER, SMS, Licensing & Insurance (L&I), roadside inspections, crashes, and authority history.
Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).
Cross-border carrier registry and Canadian recall campaigns where applicable.
TruckCodex is an independent aggregator; it is not affiliated with FMCSA, NHTSA, EIA, or Transport Canada. Always verify compliance-critical information directly with the originating agency.