What 173.24BD2 means in plain language
Your citation for 173.24BD2 means a hazardous materials bulk package or container on your truck was loaded beyond the maximum weight rating shown on its specification plate. Every bulk package used to transport hazmat has a weight limit stamped or affixed to it—that's the specification plate. Loading more weight than that rating allows puts excessive stress on the container itself, increasing the risk of structural failure, leaks, or rupture during transit.
This is fundamentally different from overweight violations on your truck's axles or gross vehicle weight. This citation specifically concerns the integrity of the hazmat container itself. Even if your truck's scale weights were legal, you can still be cited for this if inspectors determine the container was loaded beyond its marked capacity.
The regulation exists because a failed bulk package in transit can release hazardous cargo onto roadways, into water systems, or near populated areas. The specification plate is your roadmap for safe loading; exceeding it is a direct violation.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 173.24BD2 has been cited 7 times all-time, with 3 citations in the last 90 days and 7 in the last 12 months. This code ranks #2312 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—it's uncommon.
More importantly for you: none of the 7 all-time citations resulted in an out-of-service order. The OOS rate for this violation is 0.0%. By contrast, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%, meaning this code is treated significantly more leniently at roadside than most other violations. Inspectors are writing citations but not immediately removing trucks from service.
This doesn't mean the violation is minor—it means enforcement focus has been on documenting the problem and issuing warnings rather than emergency roadside quarantine. However, a citation still goes on your record and can affect your carrier's safety profile.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show Texas accounts for the vast majority of enforcement for this code in the past 180 days, with 4 citations and a 0.0% OOS rate. No other states appear in our top-enforcement list for this violation during that period.
Looking at carriers over all-time records, our data shows fleets operating in the hazmat bulk transport space with citations for this violation. The carrier names in our database include operations like Servicios Especializados Alanis SA de CV (1 citation), LM Transportaciones SA de CV (1 citation), and Auto Tanques Rago SA de CV (1 citation). These represent isolated incidents rather than systemic patterns—each has only one recorded citation.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Hazmat loading and packaging violations span a wide severity range. General loading/unloading hazmat violations (177.834A-HMC) have 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate—nearly every citation results in immediate out-of-service action. Movement of damaged hazmat packages (177.823(a)) shows 1,829 citations with a 51.8% OOS rate. By comparison, 173.24BD2 at 0.0% OOS rate sits at the lenient end of hazmat enforcement.
Placarding violations (177.817(a)) have 2,274 citations with 75.1% OOS, while placard deterioration (177.817(e)) has 2,038 citations with only 5.2% OOS. The pattern shows that structural or documentation hazmat issues draw lighter enforcement than operational hazmat violations. Weight-rating violations on the container itself appear treated as a compliance documentation matter rather than an immediate safety emergency.
How to avoid it
Before accepting a hazmat load, take these concrete steps:
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Locate and photograph the specification plate on every bulk package before loading begins. Know the exact weight limit. If the plate is missing, deteriorated, or illegible, refuse the load until it's replaced or clarified with the shipper in writing.
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Verify the load weight independently. Don't rely on the shipper's word. Use a certified scale to weigh the cargo before it goes into the container. Calculate the total: product weight plus any tare weight (the container itself). If it exceeds the plate rating by even one pound, stop and escalate to dispatch or the shipper.
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Document everything in writing. Keep scale tickets, load manifests, and photos of the specification plate. This becomes your defense if a citation is disputed and protects your carrier's compliance record.
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Watch for co-occurring compliance gaps. Our inspection data shows that 173.24BD2 citations frequently appear alongside border-zone English language requirements (391.11B2-Z) and driver fatigue issues (392.2RG). If you're fatigued or operating near a border, you're already under closer inspector scrutiny—make certain your load documentation and container compliance are flawless.
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Inspect coupling and glazing during pre-trip. Data shows 173.24BD2 co-occurs with coupling defects (393.55C1) and window obstructions (393.60C). A poorly maintained or overloaded rig puts additional stress on all components. Before departing, verify your coupling systems and mirrors are in full working order, and keep your cab clear of obstructions.
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Train on your equipment. Our vehicle data shows KW (Kenworth) trucks appear in 4 citations for this code, and Volvo in 2. Regardless of your truck brand, know how the specific bulk container on your rig is rated and designed. Some containers are more sensitive to weight distribution than others.