What 173.443(a) means in plain language
173.443(a) addresses requirements for packaging and containment of hazardous materials during transport. The regulation establishes standards for how hazmat must be secured, packaged, and maintained to prevent leakage, spillage, or contamination during movement and delivery. This falls under the Department of Transportation's broader hazmat safety framework, which aims to protect drivers, the public, and the environment from exposure to dangerous substances.
If you've been cited for 173.443(a), an inspector found that your hazmat packaging, labeling, or containment did not meet these standards. This could mean damaged containers, inadequate securing methods, missing or improper packaging materials, or failure to use approved containment systems. The violation is specifically about the condition and integrity of the hazmat itself as it sits in or on your vehicle, not about placarding or general vehicle maintenance.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ roadside inspection records, 173.443(a) has been cited only once all-time. In the last 12 months, we recorded zero citations for this code, and zero citations in the last 90 days. That single citation was not placed out of service, resulting in a 0.0% out-of-service rate for this code—substantially below the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%.
Ranked #2796 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, 173.443(a) is among the least-cited hazmat violations in our database. This suggests either strong compliance in the field or infrequent inspector focus on this specific requirement. The extremely low enforcement volume means that when this citation does appear, it warrants immediate attention to understand what triggered the violation.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show only one carrier cited for 173.443(a): DWA Construction Inc (USDOT 821107) with a single citation. Because the total citation count is one, state-level and carrier-level breakdowns are minimal. The limited enforcement history makes it difficult to identify patterns of non-compliance by region or fleet type.
If you drive for a carrier that has not yet been cited for this code, that is the norm—the rarity of 173.443(a) citations means most fleets have not encountered this specific violation at roadside.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Hazmat violations in the same category show dramatically different enforcement frequencies and out-of-service rates. General loading and unloading violations (177.834A-HMC and 177.834(a)) are among the most-cited hazmat codes in our database, with 3,954 and 3,839 citations respectively and out-of-service rates of 99.2% and 97.9%—indicating they are almost always treated as safety-critical.
Placard-related violations like 177.817(a) (placarding violation) have logged 2,274 citations with a 75.1% out-of-service rate, and 172.502(a)(1) (placarding general requirements) shows 1,820 citations with an 18.5% out-of-service rate. By contrast, 173.443(a)'s single citation with no out-of-service placement reflects either exceptional compliance or minimal inspector scrutiny. The peer-code data underscores that packaging and containment violations, when detected, are treated seriously—but 173.443(a) citations are extraordinarily rare compared to other hazmat requirements.
How to avoid it
Although 173.443(a) violations are rare, they carry significant hazmat safety implications. Protect yourself and comply with this requirement:
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Inspect all hazmat containers before loading. Check for cracks, leaks, corrosion, dents, or any visible damage. Do not load a container that shows wear or deterioration, even if it appears to hold.
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Verify proper packaging materials and closure. Ensure that lids, caps, and seals are intact and properly fastened. If you are carrying liquids, confirm that absorbent materials or secondary containment is in place as required by the hazmat class.
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Secure hazmat properly in the vehicle. Use approved blocking, bracing, or tie-down equipment to prevent shifting or tipping during transit. Loose or unsecured containers can rupture or spill.
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Document the condition of hazmat at pickup. Note the condition of containers on your shipping papers or in your logbook. If you discover a problem in transit, stop safely and report it to your dispatcher or the shipper immediately—do not attempt to continue.
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Know your hazmat class. Different classes (flammables, oxidizers, poisons, radioactives, etc.) have specific packaging and containment rules. Confirm that the container meets the standard for the material it holds.
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Never transfer hazmat between containers. Only certified hazmat packages may be used for transport. Repackaging without proper certification is a federal violation.
Your pre-trip inspection is your first and best defense. Take the time to examine every hazmat package before you roll, and you'll reduce the risk of a 173.443(a) citation and, more importantly, prevent a spill or exposure that could harm you, the public, or the environment.