Direct answers on 177.842(d) citations: OOS rates, what to do next, and how this violation compares to other hazmat codes.
Ranks #2,567 of 3,146 FMCSR codes by citation frequency • OOS rate of 33.3% is in line with the FMCSR-wide average of 33.3%.
Blocking and bracing of RAM packages
Direct answers grounded in TruckCodex inspection data
Not automatically, but it's possible. Our inspection records show that 177.842(d) resulted in an out-of-service placement in 1 of the 3 citations on file—an OOS rate of 33.3%. This is slightly higher than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, meaning inspectors place trucks out of service for this violation at nearly the same frequency as other codes, depending on severity and inspector discretion.
It's relatively uncommon. Across 13 million inspections, 177.842(d) ranks #2,551 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. Other hazmat codes in the same category are cited far more often—for example, general loading/unloading hazmat violations (177.834A-HMC) have 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate, and placarding violations (177.817(a)) have 2,274 citations with a 75.1% OOS rate. Your violation is much less frequent and carries a lower OOS rate than most peer hazmat codes.
First, document the citation details: date, inspector name, unit number, and the specific deficiency noted. Review the blocking and bracing setup on your RAM vehicle for any visible issues with load securement. Contact your carrier's safety or compliance department immediately—they need to verify the condition and determine if equipment repair or retraining is needed. If you believe the citation is inaccurate, you can file a DataQs challenge through FMCSA within 90 days; document photos or evidence of proper bracing at the time of inspection.
It's extremely rare. All-time, our database shows only 3 citations for 177.842(d). In the last 12 months: 0 citations. In the last 90 days: 0 citations. This violation is one of the least common hazmat codes, suggesting either very few carriers haul RAM packages with improper bracing, or inspectors rarely flag this specific issue in the field.
Yes. All FMCSA roadside inspection citations are eligible for challenge through the DataQs (Databse Quality System) process. You or your carrier can file a formal request to review the citation within 90 days of the inspection. DataQs works best when you have evidence—photos, load plans, weight distribution records, or witness statements—showing the blocking and bracing complied with regulations at the time of inspection. Submit your challenge through the FMCSA portal; decisions typically take 30–60 days.
Our all-time inspection records show three carriers with one citation each: JPS CARRIERS INC (USDOT 2266357), MARUTI NANDAN TRANSPORTATION AND COURRIER SERVICES (USDOT 2890726), and RABA KISTNER INC (USDOT 4193889). The sole vehicle make cited was a RAM. This extremely small sample reflects how infrequently this violation appears in inspections nationwide.
RAM vehicles are the only make cited for this violation in our 13 million inspection records. This makes sense: 177.842(d) specifically addresses blocking and bracing of RAM (radioactive material) packages, so only carriers transporting RAM haul would be subject to inspection for this code. If you don't transport radioactive material, you won't encounter this citation.
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Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).
Cross-border carrier registry and Canadian recall campaigns where applicable.
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