What 173.35F2-HMGP means in plain language
When you transport an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC)—those large cube-shaped or cylindrical tanks used for liquids, gases, or powders—federal law requires you to secure it properly to your transport unit. This means the IBC cannot shift, tip, or move during transit, braking, or turns.
A 173.35F2-HMGP citation means an inspector found your IBC either not fastened to the vehicle structure at all, or fastened in a way that doesn't meet Department of Transportation standards. This applies whether you're carrying hazardous materials or not; the securement requirement exists to prevent the container from becoming a projectile in a crash or emergency maneuver.
Proper securement typically involves straps, chains, or frames rated for the container's weight and liquid surge forces. The container must be immobilized in all directions—front, back, and side-to-side.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 173.35F2-HMGP is a rare violation. All-time, we have recorded only 7 citations for this code, with zero citations in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days. This ranks 173.35F2-HMGP at #2312 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume.
When this violation does occur, it is taken seriously. Our data shows an 85.7% out-of-service rate—meaning 6 out of 7 times, the vehicle was removed from service immediately. This is significantly higher than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, reflecting the safety-critical nature of hazmat containment.
The rarity of this citation in recent months may reflect either strong driver compliance or reduced inspection focus on IBC securement during this period. Either way, if you're cited for it, you're part of a very small group.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records do not identify state-level distribution for this code with sufficient granularity to name top states. However, we do see carrier-level patterns in the all-time data. JGS TRANSPORTATION LLC (USDOT 3788653) appears in our records with 5 citations for this violation, while G I TRUCKING COMPANY and B-BAM LOGISTICS INC each have 1 citation. This reflects the distribution we observe across the relatively small population of citations, not a pattern of systematic non-compliance by any single fleet.
Vehicles cited have included INTL (6 citations), HYTR (1 citation), HYUNDAI TR (1 citation), and VOLVO (1 citation). INTL vehicles account for the majority of citations in our data.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Hazardous Materials category, securement violations sit between minor packaging issues and major loading violations. For perspective:
177.834A-HMC (General loading/unloading hazmat) appears 3,954 times in our records with a 99.2% OOS rate—far more frequent and equally severe. 177.817(a) (Placarding violation) shows 2,274 citations with a 75.1% OOS rate. These violations are far more common than 173.35F2-HMGP.
By contrast, 172.602(c)(1) (Maintenance/accessibility of Emergency Response information) has 1,464 citations but only a 0.0% OOS rate, indicating it is treated as a documentational issue rather than an immediate safety threat.
Your violation sits in the high-severity tier due to its 85.7% OOS rate, putting it on par with critical loading and containment failures.
How to avoid it
-
Inspect your load before departure. If transporting an IBC, visually confirm it is attached to the vehicle frame or cargo restraint system. Look for visible straps, chains, or welded attachment points. Tug the container gently to ensure zero movement.
-
Know your vehicle's tie-down points. Different makes (INTL, VOLVO, etc.) have different frame configurations. Review your truck's manual to locate rated anchor points and the maximum load capacity of each.
-
Use rated securement hardware. Straps and chains must be DOT-compliant and rated for the container's full weight plus dynamic forces. Do not improvise with rope, wire, or undersized equipment.
-
Account for liquid surge. If the IBC contains liquid, the contents shift during braking and acceleration. Secure the container as if it weighs 20% more than its labeled capacity to absorb surge forces.
-
Re-inspect at rest stops. A strap can loosen during highway travel due to vibration. Stop every 2–3 hours and confirm the container is still immobilized.
-
Document your securement method. Take a photo or note the straps/chains used. If cited, this can support your defense or show good-faith compliance practice.