What 173.60-HMGP means in plain language
173.60-HMGP addresses proper handling and documentation requirements for hazardous materials in transportation. The regulation requires drivers and carriers to maintain accurate, complete records and follow prescribed procedures whenever hazmat is loaded, transported, or unloaded. This includes ensuring that all required paperwork, placards, and safety measures are in place and properly maintained throughout the shipment.
The specific violation can arise from incomplete shipping papers, missing required certifications, failure to properly document hazmat loads, or not following the sequence of steps required by the Department of Transportation for hazmat transport. Even if the actual cargo is properly packaged and secured, missing or incorrect documentation will trigger this citation.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 173.60-HMGP is among the rarest hazmat violations cited. We recorded 5 all-time citations for this code, with 5 citations in the last 12 months and 0 citations in the last 90 days. None of the 5 citations resulted in an out-of-service placement—a 0.0% OOS rate.
This stands in stark contrast to the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%. When 173.60-HMGP is cited, inspectors are treating it as a documentary or procedural issue rather than an immediate safety-of-operation threat. Ranked #2406 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, it remains a low-frequency violation across the industry.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection data shows that in the last 180 days, New York accounted for 1 citation with a 0.0% OOS rate. The small citation count limits meaningful state-level comparison, but the data indicates this violation is geographically sparse.
Our records show carriers such as Suit-Kote Corporation (USDOT 277649) with 2 all-time citations for this code. General Construction Clean-Up Inc (USDOT 2669515), A & C Heating Services (USDOT 2893101), and Justin Cooley Paving (USDOT 3649060) each appear once in our database with this violation.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Hazmat documentation and placarding violations span a wide severity spectrum. Our data reveals major differences in how inspectors handle related violations.
General loading and unloading hazmat violations under 177.834A-HMC and 177.834(a) account for 3,954 and 3,839 citations respectively—hundreds of times more frequent than 173.60-HMGP—and carry OOS rates of 99.2% and 97.9%. These are treated as critical safety breaches.
Placard-related violations like 177.817(a) show 2,274 citations with a 75.1% OOS rate, while 172.602(c)(1) covering maintenance and accessibility of Emergency Response information shows 1,464 citations but a 0.0% OOS rate—matching 173.60-HMGP's enforcement pattern. This suggests that documentation and information-access violations are generally lower-consequence than structural or loading failures.
How to avoid it
Before accepting a hazmat load:
- Request and thoroughly review all shipping papers before the load is placed in your vehicle. Verify that the shipper has completed every required field: proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, quantity, and emergency contact information.
- Confirm that your carrier has issued all required certifications and permits for transporting that specific hazmat class. Do not depart without written proof.
- Cross-check the description on the bill of lading against what is actually being loaded. Mismatches between paperwork and cargo are a common citation trigger.
During pre-trip and en route:
- Keep all shipping papers organized and accessible in your cab. Inspectors will request them immediately; fumbling or incomplete sets trigger documentation citations.
- Verify that placards are attached to all four sides of your vehicle (if required for the load) and are clean and legible. Faded or missing placards often co-occur with paperwork violations.
- If your vehicle is a Ford (which appears in our data as a commonly cited make for this code), pay extra attention to securing documents in a protected compartment—vibration and shifting can damage or misplace them.
If you're unsure:
- Ask your dispatcher or safety manager to walk you through the paperwork before you leave the facility. A few minutes of verification prevents a citation and a roadside stop.
- Never leave documentation tasks for "after loading." All papers must be complete and in your possession before movement.