FMCSR 173.24BD2 — Bulk Package Weight Violation Q&A

No. Across our inspection records, citations for exceeding the maximum weight of a bulk package rating have resulted in zero out-of-service placements out of 7 all-time citations (0.0% OOS rate). This is significantly lower than the 31.4% average out-of-service rate across all FMCSR codes. While the violation is documented, it does not automatically trigger an immediate roadside removal from service.

This violation ranks much lower in enforcement severity than comparable hazmat loading and placarding codes. For example, general loading/unloading hazmat violations (177.834A-HMC) have a 99.2% OOS rate across 3,954 citations, while placarding violations (177.817(a)) see a 75.1% OOS rate across 2,274 citations. The 0.0% OOS rate for 173.24BD2 indicates inspectors treat weight specification violations as documentation or compliance issues rather than immediate safety hazards requiring truck removal.

First, verify your bulk package's actual weight against the specification plate rating—this is a measurement and documentation issue. Second, check your hazmat placarding and driver qualifications, as our data shows the most common co-occurring violations in the last 90 days were 391.11B2-Z (English language proficiency, 3 shared inspections) and 392.2RG (driver illness/fatigue, 1 shared inspection). Third, document the corrective action (reloading, redistribution, or load reduction) for your carrier's safety file. Do not move the vehicle under overweight conditions for the bulk package rating.

Texas accounts for the majority of recent citations. In the last 180 days, our records show 4 citations in TX with a 0.0% OOS rate. This is the only state with multiple recorded citations for this violation in our recent dataset. The low overall citation volume (7 all-time, 3 in the last 90 days) suggests this is an infrequent finding, but when it does occur, it is concentrated in high-volume hazmat corridors like Texas.

This violation is rare. Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 173.24BD2 ranks #2312 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. We see only 7 all-time citations, with 3 in the last 90 days and 1 in January 2026 and 3 in February 2026. The uptick in early 2026 suggests a possible enforcement focus, but the absolute count remains very low compared to common violations like placarding or general hazmat loading errors.

Yes, you can challenge the citation through the FMCSA's DataQs system if you have evidence the violation was misidentified or the measurement was incorrect. Weight and specification plate ratings are factual, measurable items, so your dispute should include documentation of the actual bulk package weight, the specification plate rating, and any calibration records for the weighing equipment. Submit supporting documents within 90 days of citation issuance through your carrier's DataQs account or via the FMCSA portal.

Kenworth (KW) tractors account for 4 of the 7 all-time citations (57%), followed by other makes (OTHR) with 3 citations and Volvo (VOLV) with 2 citations. This pattern reflects the prevalence of KW equipment in hazmat and bulk transport fleets, not a particular mechanical defect. The citation is about cargo weight and load management, not the truck model itself.

A citation for 173.24BD2 is recorded in your carrier's Safety Management Cycle (SMS) and appears in the Hazardous Materials BASIC category for inspection history. However, the statistics block does not include a specific CSA point weight for this code. Contact your carrier's safety manager or the FMCSA's CSA helpline for the exact point value applied to your record. CSA point accumulation depends on the 30-month rolling window and your carrier's baseline score.