What 177.835(i) means in plain language
FMCSR 177.835(i) requires drivers and loaders to follow specific procedures when loading or unloading cargo tank vehicles. These procedures exist to prevent spills, leaks, vapor releases, and contamination during the transfer of hazardous materials into or out of tank vehicles.
The regulation covers the mechanics of the operation: proper connection and disconnection of hoses, grounding and bonding procedures, use of correct adapters and couplings, and verification that valves are in the correct position before and after loading. It also involves confirming that the tank is suitable for the material being loaded, that pressure relief systems are functioning, and that you're following any additional shipper or carrier requirements for that specific commodity.
In practice, this means inspecting your equipment before you approach the loading rack, confirming communication with the person operating the loading equipment, staying present during the entire operation, and verifying the tank is properly sealed before you leave the facility.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 177.835(i) has been cited only 1 time in the enforcement database. That single citation did not result in an out-of-service order, putting this code's OOS rate at 0.0%—substantially lower than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%.
In the last 12 months, there have been 0 citations for this code. In the last 90 days, there have been 0 citations. By citation volume, 177.835(i) ranks 2,796th out of 3,036 FMCSR codes tracked in our database.
The rarity of citations for this specific code does not mean the regulation is unenforced or unimportant. Rather, it reflects that most carriers and drivers comply with loading and unloading procedures, or that inspectors more commonly cite the broader or more commonly observed violations in the hazardous materials category.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show that JK MARKETING LLC (USDOT 2315423) has received 1 citation for this code. Because only one citation exists in our all-time database, we cannot provide a meaningful state-by-state breakdown or identify additional top carriers or geographic patterns.
Vehicles cited have included units from GREAT DANE and INTERNATIO manufacturers, each representing the single documented citation in our system.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
The hazardous materials loading and unloading category includes several related codes with dramatically higher citation frequencies. Our data shows that 177.834A-HMC (General loading/unloading hazmat) has accumulated 3,954 citations with a 99.2% out-of-service rate. Similarly, 177.834(a) (General loading/unloading hazmat) has 3,839 citations and a 97.9% OOS rate.
Other related codes in the placarding and hazmat movement category show varying severity. For example, 177.817(a) (Placarding violation) has 2,274 citations at a 75.1% OOS rate, while 172.602(c)(1) (Maintenance/accessibility of Emergency Response information) has 1,464 citations at a 0.0% OOS rate.
The extremely low citation count for 177.835(i) compared to codes like 177.834A-HMC (3,954 vs. 1) suggests that cargo tank loading/unloading procedure violations as specifically cited under 177.835(i) are either caught and corrected before inspection, or subsumed within broader general loading/unloading citations.
How to avoid it
While our enforcement data shows minimal citation frequency for this code, the regulatory requirement remains in force. If you operate a cargo tank vehicle:
-
Inspect before you load. Walk around your tank unit before arriving at the loading facility. Verify all hose connections are clean, couplings match the product specifications, and pressure relief vents are clear and functional.
-
Confirm the tank is rated for the commodity. Do not assume. Check the placard, your shipping papers, and the tank's certification plate. Verify material compatibility with the tank lining and gaskets.
-
Ground and bond properly. If grounding is required for the material being loaded, ensure bonding cables are in place and connected to both the tank and the loading rack equipment before any hose connection begins.
-
Stay at the vehicle during loading and unloading. Do not leave the cab and walk away. Monitor the operation, listen for unusual sounds or pressure changes, and be ready to signal a stop if something goes wrong.
-
Check valve positions. Before disconnecting hoses, confirm that inlet and outlet valves are in the correct position (typically closed). Close any open vents. After unloading, verify the tank is sealed and relief systems are armed.
-
Refer to shipper or carrier SOPs. Many carriers and shippers issue their own loading procedure documents that exceed the minimum regulatory requirement. Follow them; they exist to protect you and the product.
If you received this citation, work with your dispatcher and safety manager to review the specific loading facility, the commodity involved, and the exact step that was noted as non-compliant. Use it as a training moment for any subsequent loads of the same type.