FMCSR 173.24F1: Hazmat Packaging Closures — Q&A

Yes—most likely. Across our inspection records, 173.24F1 citations resulted in out-of-service placements in 89.3% of cases (25 out of 28 all-time citations). That's nearly triple the average OOS rate of 31.4% across all FMCSR codes. An open or leaking hazmat package is treated as an immediate safety threat, so inspectors place trucks OOS in the vast majority of encounters.

173.24F1 sits at the severe end of the hazmat violation spectrum. While it ranks #1828 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by raw citation volume (only 28 all-time citations), its 89.3% OOS rate far exceeds most peer codes. For comparison: general loading/unloading violations (177.834A-HMC) hit 99.2% OOS, but packaging integrity violations like 173.24F1 are treated as imminent hazards. This code is less common but carries serious consequences when cited.

First steps:

1. Do not move the vehicle if it's been placed out of service.
2. Inspect the packaging closure immediately—check for visible cracks, loose caps, or liquid/vapor leaks.
3. If the package is leaking, do not attempt to repair it yourself; call your dispatcher and the shipper right away.
4. Document photos of the closure condition and the inspection report.
5. Contact your carrier's safety manager or compliance officer before attempting to move the truck.
6. If repair is needed, ensure it meets DOT hazmat packaging standards before returning to service.

Our data shows that 180.352B (rigid IBC retest marking) commonly appears alongside packaging violations, so also verify your container's certification is current.

Yes, you can challenge the citation through FMCSA's DataQS (DataQuality System) portal, but your odds depend on the finding type. If the inspector's citation is based on a visible defect—an actual open or leaking closure—the evidence is typically objective and hard to contest. However, if there is documentation error, misidentification of the vehicle, or the closure was already being addressed, you have grounds to dispute. Submit your challenge within 90 days of the citation date with supporting photos or maintenance records. Work with your carrier's compliance team to prepare the DataQS rebuttal.

In the last 180 days, Texas led with 2 citations (50.0% OOS rate), followed by Illinois with 1 citation (100.0% OOS rate). These numbers are small—173.24F1 is a rare citation—but when it does occur, it almost always results in an out-of-service order. The hazmat hauling corridors through TX and IL are high-volume routes, so packaging integrity violations in those states are caught and documented more frequently.

Citations for 173.24F1 remain very low and inconsistent month-to-month. Over the last 12 months, we recorded 17 total citations. June 2025 saw a spike with 5 citations (4 OOS), and October 2025 had 3 citations (all OOS). Most other months had 0–2 citations. This is not a widespread enforcement trend; it's a violation that inspectors catch sporadically when they encounter damaged or compromised hazmat packaging during roadside inspections. Stay vigilant on pre-trip packaging checks to avoid being one of the few cited.

RIG RUNNERS LLC (USDOT 1014498) had 2 citations for 173.24F1 all-time, the highest count in our database. Nine other carriers had single citations each, including IMPERATIVE CHEMICAL PARTNERS INC, TRANSOIL MARKETING LLC, and SELECT WATER SOLUTIONS LLC. The fact that no single carrier dominates this violation list suggests it's driven by random inspection encounters rather than a systemic fleet problem. Each citation likely reflects an isolated incident during a roadside check.

Both. FMCSA tracking assigns hazmat violations like 173.24F1 to both the driver's record and the carrier's record. The violation will appear on your carrier's Crash and Safety Analysis (CSA) profile under the Hazardous Materials safety basic, which can affect your company's safety ratings and insurance. It may also influence your own hiring record at future carriers. Preventing these violations requires attention at every leg: check closures during pre-trip, report any damage to your dispatcher immediately, and refuse to haul compromised packages.