FMCSR 173.24C: Unauthorized Hazmat Packaging — Driver Q&A

Yes, there's a significant risk. Across our inspection records, 173.24C citations result in an out-of-service placement 55.9% of the time. That's higher than the national average of 31.4% across all FMCSR violations, meaning inspectors take this seriously. Of the 34 all-time citations in our database, 19 resulted in an immediate OOS order. In the last 90 days, 4 citations were issued—1 led to OOS. Your likelihood depends on inspection severity and state; inspectors in Illinois placed vehicles OOS in 100% of recent cases, while Iowa inspectors haven't placed any OOS recently.

First: stop moving the load. Do not transport it until resolved. Second: document everything—photos of the packaging, shipping papers, and the inspector's findings. Third: contact your dispatcher and safety manager immediately; your carrier may face compliance action. Fourth: inspect for related violations. Our data shows 173.24C often appears alongside general hazmat loading violations (177.834A in 3 of the last 4 inspections) and placarding issues (177.817A in 1 recent case). Fifth: consult your hazmat compliance officer or carrier's safety department to verify the packaging meets DOT authorizations before any future shipments.

Yes, it's more serious than average but less severe than the most common hazmat violations. While 173.24C has a 55.9% OOS rate, compare that to similar hazmat codes: General loading/unloading violations (177.834A) are OOS'd 99.2% of the time with 3,954 citations, and placarding violations (177.817A) are OOS'd 75.1% of the time with 2,274 citations. On the other end, damaged placards (177.817E) are OOS'd only 5.2% of the time. Unauthorized packaging sits in the middle—serious enough that half the time you'll be stopped immediately, but not automatic like active loading violations.

That depends on your carrier's internal scoring and the FMCSA's Safety Measurement System (SMS) categories at the time of your inspection. The violation itself is classified under Hazardous Materials. Points are typically weighted by severity and frequency—your carrier and the FMCSA will apply their own multipliers based on your violation history in the last 3 years. We don't have the specific CSA point value in our inspection records, so contact your carrier's safety department or check the citation document for the exact severity weight assigned.

In the last 180 days, Texas leads with 5 citations (60% OOS rate), followed by Iowa and Illinois with 2 citations each. However, Illinois is particularly strict—both of its recent citations resulted in OOS orders (100% rate), compared to Texas at 60% and Iowa at 0%. If you operate in Texas, be aware the state is the enforcement hotspot for this violation. Nationwide, 173.24C ranks #1746 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by total citation volume, so it's relatively uncommon but enforcement is concentrated in specific states.

Yes, you can file a DataQs (Data Quality) challenge with FMCSA to dispute any factual error in your citation record. DataQs is designed for challenges based on inaccurate or incomplete inspection data—for example, if the inspector cited the wrong code, missed documentation you had on hand, or recorded the violation date incorrectly. However, DataQs is not an appeals process for the violation itself; it's specifically for data accuracy. If you believe the packaging was actually authorized, gather your DOT approval documentation and any supporting evidence, then file within 90 days. Contact FMCSA's Office of Safety Fitness Determinations for the formal submission process.

Citations are low but variable. Our monthly trend for the last 12 months shows: July 2025 had the highest recent month at 4 citations, while most other months had 1–2. In the most recent data (March 2026), there were 3 citations—the highest spike in months—with 2 resulting in OOS. So while 173.24C remains rare (20 citations in the last 12 months), recent activity suggests inspectors are focusing on it. If you handle hazmat packaging, stay current on DOT authorizations; enforcement intensity is unpredictable month-to-month.

Both. The violation is recorded against your personal driving record and your carrier's FMCSA profile simultaneously. FMCSA counts it in multiple CSA categories that affect your carrier's safety rating, which can influence their ability to operate, renew authorities, and secure contracts. Your driving record affects your own employability and insurance. The most cited carrier in our database is Rosdel Logistic SA de CV (USDOT 4115507) with 2 citations, showing that even carriers with hazmat programs can face citations. If you're a company driver, your carrier bears some responsibility; if you're owner-operator, the full impact falls on you.