What 173.24C means in plain language
When you haul hazardous materials, every container, box, drum, tank, or packaging system you use must be explicitly authorized by the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Materials Regulations. That authorization means the package has been tested, documented, and certified to safely contain that specific material under normal transport conditions.
FMCSR 173.24C flags citations when an inspector finds hazmat loaded into packaging that doesn't meet this requirement. It could be a repurposed container, an unapproved design, or packaging that's simply never been certified for the cargo inside. The violation isn't about the hazmat itself or how it's loaded—it's specifically about the container not being authorized.
This is a serious defect because unauthorized packaging can leak, rupture, or fail under the stresses of transport, turning a routine haul into an environmental and safety emergency.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million inspection records, FMCSR 173.24C has generated 34 citations all-time, placing it at #1746 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. In the last 12 months, we logged 20 citations; in the last 90 days, 4 citations.
The out-of-service rate for 173.24C is 55.9%—meaning inspectors place the vehicle out of service in roughly 1 out of every 2 citations. That's significantly higher than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, indicating inspectors treat unauthorized packaging violations as serious enough to ground the truck immediately in the majority of cases.
Over the past 90 days, citations have remained relatively stable, with 4 total. The 12-month trend shows a spike in July 2025 (4 citations), then more scattered enforcement in subsequent months.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show three states leading in 173.24C enforcement over the last 180 days:
- Texas: 5 citations, 60.0% OOS rate
- Iowa: 2 citations, 0.0% OOS rate
- Illinois: 2 citations, 100.0% OOS rate
Texas and Illinois show notably different enforcement outcomes: Illinois placed all cited vehicles out of service, while Iowa's citations did not result in OOS placings. Texas sits in the middle at 60%, suggesting that the severity assessment may vary by local inspector policy or by the specific nature of the packaging violation found.
Our data shows that ROSDEL LOGISTIC SA DE CV (USDOT 4115507) has accumulated 2 citations for this violation, with multiple other carriers receiving single citations.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
173.24C falls in the Hazardous Materials category. Comparing it to peer codes provides important context:
177.834A (General loading/unloading hazmat) has 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate—far more frequent and nearly certain to result in out-of-service status. 177.817(a) (Placarding violation) has 2,274 citations with a 75.1% OOS rate. 177.823(a) (Movement of damaged hazmat packages) has 1,829 citations with a 51.8% OOS rate, closer to 173.24C's 55.9%.
While 173.24C is infrequently cited relative to those peers, its OOS rate reflects that inspectors treat packaging defects with high seriousness—above the midpoint for hazmat violations and well above the all-FMCSR average.
How to avoid it
Before you load:
- Verify packaging certification. Check the shipper's documentation or the packaging mark itself. DOT-approved packages will display a UN mark and specification code (e.g., UN1A1, UN1B1). Never accept unmarked or illegible containers.
- Reject repurposed or damaged containers. A cleaned-out former chemical drum, a fuel barrel, or a scratched/dented certified package may not be approved. When in doubt, request fresh, clearly marked packaging from the shipper.
- Cross-check the hazmat class. Confirm the packaging is certified for the specific hazard class of the material. A package approved for flammable liquids may not be approved for corrosives.
During your pre-trip:
- Inspect container markings closely. Look for the UN specification mark, shipper's name, and certification date. Take a photo if you're unsure; share it with dispatch before departing.
- Know your fleet's vehicles. Our data shows citations across Freightliners (6), Peterbilts (5), and various other makes. If your truck carries hazmat regularly, ask your safety manager whether your typical loads and packaging are documented in your compliance file.
- Check for leaks or seepage. If any container is leaking or shows signs of degradation, it is no longer safe and should not move.
If you're cited:
An OOS rate of 55.9% means there's a substantial chance your truck will be removed from service. Document everything the inspector notes, get the violation sheet, and immediately notify your fleet manager or safety team. This will likely require the shipper to provide proper packaging before you can continue, so address it before your next load.
Our co-occurring inspection patterns show that 173.24C sometimes appears alongside placarding violations and general loading defects, suggesting that comprehensive hazmat training for both drivers and loaders reduces risk across the whole compliance profile.