What 173.301B-HMGP means in plain language
FMCSR 173.301B-HMGP addresses the proper handling and packaging requirements for hazardous materials in transport. Specifically, this regulation concerns how hazmat must be packaged, labeled, and prepared to prevent leakage, damage, or contamination during normal transportation conditions.
When an inspector cites you for 173.301B-HMGP, they've observed that your hazmat shipment doesn't meet the packaging or containment standards set by the Department of Transportation. This might involve improper inner or outer packaging, inadequate cushioning material, damaged containers, or failure to use authorized packaging that's compatible with the specific commodity being transported.
The core requirement is straightforward: hazmat packaging must be designed and maintained so that under ordinary shipping conditions—vibration, temperature changes, stacking, handling—the material stays inside the container and doesn't create a safety or environmental risk.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across 13 million inspections in our database, 173.301B-HMGP is cited rarely. All-time, we show 7 citations for this code, with 5 citations in the last 12 months and 3 in the last 90 days. None of the 7 citations ever resulted in an out-of-service order—the OOS rate is 0.0%.
For context, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%. This code ranks #2312 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, making it one of the least-cited hazmat violations. Inspectors are not pulling drivers over routinely for this infraction, and when they do cite it, they almost never remove the vehicle from service immediately.
The enforcement trend shows sporadic activity. In the last 12 months, citations appeared in November 2025 (2 citations), February 2026 (1 citation), and March 2026 (2 citations)—no clear seasonal pattern, and the small numbers mean individual citations can swing the monthly total significantly.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show citations for 173.301B-HMGP have appeared in five states in the last 180 days: Florida (1 citation, 0.0% OOS), Idaho (1 citation, 0.0% OOS), New York (1 citation, 0.0% OOS), Wisconsin (1 citation, 0.0% OOS), and Wyoming (1 citation, 0.0% OOS). All five states show identical enforcement outcomes—citations issued, no out-of-service removals.
All-time, our data shows fleets such as Brooks Tractor Inc, American Builders & Contractors Supply Co Inc, Ryder Transportation Solutions LLC, Suntech Group Inc, GA Bove & Sons Inc, FleetGenius LLC, and Double Diamond HCI LLC each received one citation. This data reflects citation frequency, not fleet safety culture or negligence.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Hazmat packaging and containment violations fall within a spectrum of hazardous materials enforcement. Across the category, citation frequency and enforcement severity vary widely.
General loading and unloading of hazmat (177.834A-HMC) appears 3,954 times in our records with a 99.2% OOS rate—nearly universal removal from service. Another general hazmat loading code (177.834(a)) shows 3,839 citations with a 97.9% OOS rate. By contrast, placarding violations (177.817(a)) total 2,274 citations but still carry a 75.1% OOS rate.
At the lighter end, 172.516(c)(6)—placard damaged, deteriorated, or obscured—has 1,796 citations but only 1.6% OOS rate. Maintenance and accessibility of emergency response information (172.602(c)(1)) shows 1,464 citations with 0.0% OOS rate, matching the enforcement pattern we see for 173.301B-HMGP. The data indicates that packaging or documentation defects, when isolated, rarely trigger immediate out-of-service removal. Loading and unloading violations, which create active hazard during operations, are treated far more severely.
How to avoid it
Our inspection records show several codes appearing alongside 173.301B-HMGP citations in the same inspections. Understanding these co-occurrences helps you target your pre-trip and in-transit checks.
Pre-trip and packaging checks:
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Inspect packaging integrity before loading. Examine all inner and outer containers for dents, cracks, corrosion, or prior damage. If you're hauling hazmat in drums, boxes, or bags, look for signs they've been compromised. Do not load compromised containers.
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Verify packaging type matches commodity. Different hazmat classes require specific packaging materials and designs. Confirm that plastic, metal, or fiberboard containers are DOT-authorized for the specific substance you're transporting. Check the hazmat shipping papers (172.201A1-HMSPS frequently co-occurs with this code) to ensure packaging specifications are documented.
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Check cushioning and void fill. Hazmat containers need adequate internal cushioning to prevent movement and external protection to prevent damage from stacking or handling. Confirm void space is filled with approved material.
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Secure cargo properly. Data shows cargo securement violations (393.100B-C, working load limits) appear alongside packaging citations. Use proper straps, chains, or bracing so containers don't shift during transit. Shifting can damage packaging from the inside.
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Verify emergency equipment before dispatch. Co-occurring citations include fire extinguishers (393.95A4-EEUS) and warning devices (393.95F). These must be accessible and functional; they're not directly related to packaging but are flagged during hazmat inspections. Have them checked and secured.
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Confirm placarding and labeling. While 173.301B-HMGP focuses on packaging, inspectors often review the full hazmat compliance picture. Ensure labels, placards, and shipping papers match the load and are legible.
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Know your vehicle condition. Our data shows citations across diverse vehicle makes (Chevrolet, Ford, Freightliner, GMC, Polar Mfg., Ram, and others). Vehicle-specific defects—inoperable lamps (393.9A-LIL co-occurs) or structural damage—can worsen the impact of a hazmat citation. Do a thorough pre-trip of lighting, brakes, and structural integrity.
In-transit practices:
- Avoid rough handling and aggressive braking that can shift or stress packaging internally.
- Monitor weather; extreme heat can affect packaging integrity for some hazmat classes.
- Do not open, repackage, or restack hazmat during transport unless you're trained and authorized.
Bottom line
A 173.301B-HMGP citation is rare and rarely results in immediate removal from service. However, it indicates an inspector found packaging defects that violate DOT standards. Address the specific deficiency noted in your citation and confirm with your fleet safety team or shipper that all future shipments use compliant packaging. Focus on pre-trip inspections of containers and coordination with loading teams to prevent recurrence.