FMCSR 172.328(c): QT/NQT Marking on Cargo Tanks

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, this violation has never resulted in an out-of-service order. Our data shows 18 all-time citations for this code, and 0 out-of-service placements—a 0.0% OOS rate. By contrast, the average FMCSR violation carries a 31.4% OOS rate, so this code is significantly less severe in enforcement practice.

Your cargo tank must display either a QT (for quart) or NQT (for non-quart) marking to indicate the volumetric standard it meets. This marking is required on MC330 and MC331 specification tanks under hazmat regulations. The marking identifies the tank's design and capacity classification, which is critical for hazmat handlers to confirm compliance during loading and transport.

No—it's among the least-cited hazmat violations in our database. Across inspection records, we see 18 all-time citations. Compare this to related hazmat codes: general loading/unloading violations (177.834A-HMC) have 3,954 citations with 99.2% OOS rate, and placarding violations (177.817(a)) have 2,274 citations with 75.1% OOS rate. At 0.0% OOS, 172.328(c) enforcement is minimal and low-severity.

1. Verify the marking: Inspect your MC330 or MC331 tank for visible QT or NQT designation. 2. Document the current state: Take photos showing the exact location and condition of any markings. 3. Check tank documentation: Pull your tank specifications and manufacturer records to confirm which marking class it belongs to. 4. Contact your carrier's safety team: Report the citation and ask whether the tank needs re-marking or certification. 5. Respond to the citation: Gather evidence of compliance or remediation for any DataQs appeal if you believe the inspector misidentified the marking.

Yes. DataQs is the FMCSA's system for drivers and carriers to contest roadside inspection findings. Since 172.328(c) involves a visible marking on equipment, you can challenge the citation if: the inspector missed an existing QT or NQT mark, the mark was obscured or illegible but present, or you have documentation proving the tank's design standard. Submit photos, tank certification documents, and a clear explanation of why the violation finding was incorrect. The FMCSA reviews and either upholds or removes the citation.

Zero citations in the last 12 months, and zero in the last 90 days. Our inspection records show this violation is extremely rare in current enforcement. The 18 all-time citations span a much longer historical period, placing this code at #1988 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by total citation volume. This suggests inspectors rarely encounter unmarked tanks or this marking is becoming less common.

Across our 13 million roadside inspection records, PLANTA EMBOTELLADORA CRESPOS GAS INC (USDOT 2496871) has the most citations for this code, with 2 all-time. Nine other carriers have one citation each, including MAIN BROTHERS OIL CO INC, HAROLD A PURYEAR TRUCKING CO INC, WILLIAM J INGRAM FUELS INC, QUALITY ENERGY INC, CALIFORNIA GAS TRANSPORT INC, CLEVELAND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS INC, CO2 SERVICES INC, TOMAHAWK TRUCKING INC, and SELECT WATER SOLUTIONS LLC. The low frequency suggests this is not a widespread compliance problem in the industry.

Not urgent from an enforcement standpoint, but address it before your next inspection. Because this code has never triggered an out-of-service order and shows zero citations in 90 days, FMCSA is not actively targeting it. However, having a proper QT or NQT marking is a compliance requirement. Coordinate with your carrier to verify the tank's design specification and ensure the correct marking is visible and legible. This is a low-risk, straightforward fix that prevents future citations.