FMCSR 172.514(a): Bulk Package Placarding Violations

No, 172.514(a) is not eligible for out-of-service placement on its own. However, our inspection records show that across 48 all-time citations for this violation, 9 vehicles (18.8%) were placed out of service. This indicates inspectors issued the 172.514(a) citation alongside other violations that triggered OOS status. For context, the average FMCSR code results in an OOS placement 31.4% of the time, so 172.514(a) violations are actually placed out of service at a lower rate than typical violations.

First, verify the citation details on the inspection report—specifically what bulk package was identified as improperly placarded. Second, contact your carrier's safety or compliance team to review your placarding procedures and any related violations from that same inspection. Third, document the corrective action you took (retraining, equipment check, documentation). If you believe the citation is inaccurate, gather evidence and file a DataQs challenge within 45 days of receiving the roadside inspection report. Do not ignore the citation—respond formally even if you plan to contest it.

Compared to related hazmat placarding violations, 172.514(a) is on the lower end of enforcement severity. Across our database, peer codes in the same hazmat category show vastly higher OOS rates: general loading violations (177.834A) hit 99.2% OOS, and placard violations overall (177.817(a)) reach 97.9%. By contrast, 172.514(a) sits at 18.8% OOS. That said, it still signals a compliance gap in your hazmat handling—the fact that only 48 citations exist all-time (ranking #1651 of 3,036 FMCSR codes) suggests this violation is rare enough to stand out when cited.

Zero citations for 172.514(a) were issued in the last 12 months across our 13 million+ roadside inspection records. In fact, no citations were recorded in the last 90 days either. All 48 all-time citations are distributed across a longer historical period. This suggests either that carriers and drivers have improved compliance with this specific requirement, or that inspectors are less likely to cite it independently. Either way, a fresh citation for this code is genuinely uncommon.

Yes, you can file a DataQs (Defined Record Request) challenge if you believe the citation is inaccurate. You have 45 days from receipt of your roadside inspection report to submit a challenge. DataQs allows you to dispute factual errors in the inspection record—for example, if the placard was actually present and legible, or if the package didn't meet the definition of a bulk container. Document your evidence clearly (photos, shipping papers, carrier procedures) before filing. Work with your carrier or a compliance consultant to build a strong case.

Across our 13 million inspection records, no single carrier dominates 172.514(a) citations. The ten carriers with recorded violations each have exactly 1 citation: Benjamin Moore & Co, Schwerman Trucking Co, E F Corporation, The Berwick Cooperative Oil Co, Fleet Transit Inc, XPO Logistics Freight Inc, Walthall Oil Co, Beaudry Oil and Service Inc, AG Partners Coop, and Oakley Trucking Inc. This even distribution reinforces that 172.514(a) is a sporadic citation, not a systemic problem at any particular carrier.

While 172.514(a) is not OOS-eligible on its own, fixing the issue promptly is important for two reasons: First, zero citations in the last 90 days means the violation is rare—an inspector noticed something, so address it immediately. Second, improper placarding of bulk hazmat is a safety and regulatory issue that, if repeated or paired with other violations, can escalate enforcement. Review your bulk package handling procedures, verify placarding at pre-trip, and document retraining within 30 days of the citation.

The citation is recorded at both the driver level and the carrier level in FMCSA's safety database. Your carrier's Safety Management System (SMS) receives the violation, which affects the carrier's Hazmat safety BASIC score and potentially their On-Time Pickup and Delivery BASIC. Your individual driver record also reflects the inspection. Both records are public and may be reviewed by insurers, shippers, and future employers. Work with your carrier to ensure the citation is correctly categorized and to build a remediation plan that removes doubt about your compliance.