What 173.24F2-HMGP means in plain language
When you transport hazardous materials, every container, drum, box, and tank must be closed exactly as the manufacturer designed it. This isn't about being "close enough." The closure method—whether that's a screw cap, clamp, bolt, or seal—exists to keep the contents contained during transport. If an inspector finds a hazmat package that isn't closed according to the manufacturer's specifications, you can be cited under 173.24F2-HMGP.
This applies to all general packaging of hazardous materials. The regulation doesn't care if the package leaked or caused harm; the violation is the improper closure itself. A missing cap, an incorrectly tightened fastener, or a seal applied differently than the manufacturer intended all count. Inspectors verify this during roadside checks by examining how packages are sealed and comparing that method to labeling or documentation.
The key point: you're responsible for knowing how to close every container on your truck. If you're uncertain, don't guess. Check the package label, shipping papers, or ask your dispatcher before you leave the lot.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million inspection records, 173.24F2-HMGP has been cited only 5 times all-time, making it ranked #2406 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by volume. In the last 12 months, we've recorded 2 citations; in the last 90 days, just 1.
What's notable: this code's out-of-service rate is 20.0%—meaning 1 citation resulted in a vehicle being placed out of service and 4 did not. That's significantly lower than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%. In other words, inspectors are citing this violation but rarely deeming it severe enough to remove the vehicle from service on the spot. That said, a 20% OOS rate still means roughly 1 in 5 drivers cited face immediate consequences.
The rarity of this citation suggests that most drivers are already complying, or that inspectors encounter it less frequently than other hazmat-related violations. Either way, if you receive this citation, you're in a small group—but that doesn't make it less serious.
Who gets cited most
Our data shows that in the last 180 days, New York accounts for 1 citation with a 0.0% out-of-service rate. While the sample size is very small, this reflects the low overall enforcement volume for this code nationally.
Among carriers cited all-time, our records show fleets such as Clinton Welding Supply Co Inc and Samuel Coraluzzo Co Inc, each with 1 citation. Lospoto Landscaping Inc, Great Estates Landscaping LLC, and Prestige Fleet Services LLC also appear in our data with 1 citation each. These are not patterns of repeated violations—each carrier has been cited once. The vehicle makes most often cited include Isuzu (2 citations), and single citations for Chevrolet, Heil, Mack, and Solar Tech units.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
In the hazardous materials category, 173.24F2-HMGP sits well below the enforcement intensity of related violations. For context:
- 177.834A-HMC (general hazmat loading/unloading) has 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate—nearly universal removal from service.
- 177.817(a) (placarding violation) has 2,274 citations with a 75.1% OOS rate.
- 172.516(c)(6) (placard damaged, deteriorated, or obscured) has 1,796 citations but only a 1.6% OOS rate—similar low enforcement severity to 173.24F2-HMGP.
Your citation is closer in severity to placard condition violations than to loading/unloading or placarding failures. That's important: it means inspectors view this as a procedural or documentation issue rather than an imminent danger scenario.
How to avoid it
Before you load:
- Review the shipping papers for each hazmat package. Identify the closure method specified by the manufacturer or shipper.
- If you're unsure how a container should be closed, ask the shipper or your dispatcher. Do not guess.
- Check that your vehicle has the correct tools or equipment to close packages properly (e.g., wrenches for bolt closures, caps for threaded containers).
During loading:
- Watch the loader and verify that each hazmat container is closed exactly as documented. Don't assume it's correct just because it looks secure.
- Tighten caps, clamps, and bolts firmly but carefully—over-tightening can damage seals; under-tightening leaves gaps.
At your pre-trip inspection:
- Do a visual walk-around of any hazmat packages visible on your trailer. Look for open caps, missing fasteners, or seals that appear compromised.
- If you spot an improperly closed package, do not leave the lot. Stop the shipper and have it reclosed correctly.
- Document that you verified closure compliance before departure.
Co-occurring violations to watch for: Our data shows that 173.24F2-HMGP sometimes appears alongside placard condition issues (damaged, deteriorated, or obscured placards). When you inspect your packages for closure, also verify that all hazmat placards are legible and in good condition. An inspector finding one issue is more likely to look closely for others.
The bottom line: hazmat packaging closure is not complicated, but it is non-negotiable. Follow the manufacturer's specifications exactly, verify compliance before you move the vehicle, and you'll avoid this citation.