What 173.24F1 means in plain language
FMCSR 173.24F1 requires that closures on hazardous materials packaging stay sealed and intact during transport. If an inspector finds a packaging with an open or leaking closure, you're in violation.
This isn't about the cargo itself—it's specifically about whether the container's lid, cap, valve, or other sealing mechanism is doing its job. A closure can fail for several reasons: improper installation, damage during loading, vibration over time, or a defective seal. Once a closure compromises, hazmat can escape into your cargo area or onto the road, creating both a safety hazard and an environmental violation.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 173.24F1 has been cited 28 times all-time, with 17 citations in the last 12 months and 1 citation in the last 90 days. This ranks it #1828 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—making it a low-frequency violation.
Where this code becomes serious is enforcement severity. Our data shows a 89.3% out-of-service rate for 173.24F1. That means 25 of the 28 citations on record resulted in your vehicle being placed out of service. This rate is significantly higher than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, indicating inspectors treat leaking or open hazmat containers as an immediate safety issue that stops operations.
The monthly trend over the last 12 months shows inconsistent enforcement: June 2025 had 5 citations (4 resulting in OOS), August 2025 had 4 citations (all 4 OOS), and October 2025 had 3 citations (all 3 OOS). Other months showed 1–2 citations. This variability suggests the violation occurs episodically, often during high-volume hazmat transport periods.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show citations concentrated in two states. Texas led with 2 citations in the last 180 days, with a 50.0% out-of-service rate. Illinois had 1 citation with a 100.0% out-of-service rate. The small citation count means state-level patterns are less predictive than carrier and vehicle type patterns.
Among carriers with multiple citations in our database, RIG RUNNERS LLC (USDOT 1014498) appears twice, more than any other fleet. This doesn't indicate systemic negligence—it reflects the specialized nature of hazmat transport and the fact that fleets moving certain cargo types encounter these inspections more often.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
173.24F1 sits within the broader hazmat category, where other codes generate far higher citation volumes. For example, 177.834A-HMC (general loading/unloading of hazmat) has 3,954 citations all-time with a 99.2% OOS rate, and 177.834(a) has 3,839 citations with a 97.9% OOS rate. These codes are cited 140+ times more frequently than 173.24F1.
However, 177.817(e) (placard deteriorated or damaged) has 2,038 citations but only a 5.2% OOS rate, showing that not all hazmat violations result in immediate removal from service. By comparison, 173.24F1's 89.3% OOS rate indicates inspectors view open or leaking closures as an urgent safety defect requiring immediate correction before the vehicle can move.
How to avoid it
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Pre-trip inspection of all closures: Before departure, physically check every closure on every hazmat package in your load. Look for proper seating, visible damage, and any signs of leakage. This takes minutes and prevents roadside citations.
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Verify closure type matches packaging: Different hazmat packages require specific closure designs. Ensure the closure you're using is rated for the hazmat class you're transporting. Mismatched or improvised closures fail routinely.
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Secure closures during loading: Don't just place a cap on a container—ensure it's hand-tight or torqued to specification depending on the closure design. Loose closures vibrate open over miles of highway.
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Monitor during transport: Stop and visually inspect closures at fuel stops and rest breaks, especially on longer hauls. Vibration and temperature changes can loosen seals over time.
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Document closure condition: Take a photo or note the condition of closures when you assume custody of the load. If a closure fails during your transport, having documentation of its initial state protects you against liability.
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Report damage immediately: If you notice any closure damage or leakage before departure, refuse the load or demand the shipper repackage it. A 30-minute delay at the shipper beats an 89.3% probability of being pulled out of service at roadside.