What 178.245-5 means in plain language
FMCSR 178.245-5 is a hazardous materials regulation that addresses specific packaging and containment requirements for certain classes of hazmat cargo. The rule governs how certain hazardous materials must be packaged, sealed, and prepared before transport to ensure they remain stable and safe during the entire journey.
If you've been cited for this code, the inspector found that your cargo packaging, sealing, or preparation did not meet the standard required for that particular hazmat class. This could involve improper closure of containers, inadequate cushioning material, or packaging that doesn't meet DOT specifications for the substance being transported.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ roadside inspection records, 178.245-5 appears only 1 time all-time, with 0 citations in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. This makes it the #2,796 most-cited FMCSR code out of 3,036 total codes.
Most importantly: this code has a 0.0% out-of-service rate. The one citation recorded did not result in an out-of-service order. For context, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%, meaning 178.245-5 citations are far less likely to trigger immediate vehicle removal. That said, the extremely low citation volume makes this code a statistical outlier—it's so rarely enforced that drawing broad conclusions is difficult.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show only one carrier cited under 178.245-5: Antilles Gas Corporation (USDOT 183555), with 1 citation. The vehicles cited included a Wabash National trailer and a White GMC unit, each appearing once in our database under this violation.
Given the single-citation volume, state-by-state or regional patterns cannot be meaningfully identified. If you've just received this citation, you are part of an extremely small enforcement cohort.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Hazmat packaging and containment rules span multiple FMCSR codes. When we look at related violations in the hazardous materials category, the contrast is striking:
- 177.834A-HMC (General loading/unloading hazmat) has 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate—nearly all cases result in immediate vehicle removal.
- 177.834(a) (General loading/unloading hazmat) shows 3,839 citations and a 97.9% OOS rate—similarly aggressive enforcement.
- 177.817(a) (Placarding violation) accounts for 2,274 citations with a 75.1% OOS rate.
By contrast, 178.245-5's single citation and 0.0% OOS rate suggest either that violations are genuinely rare, that inspectors rarely identify them, or that the violation is typically handled more leniently than the higher-volume hazmat codes. The difference is substantial: inspectors are far more likely to pull a truck for missing or incorrect placards (177.817a) or improper loading procedures (177.834) than for packaging defects under 178.245-5.
How to avoid it
Because this violation is so rarely cited, the regulatory focus is narrow. Here are concrete steps to reduce risk:
- Inspect all hazmat packaging before loading. Before your pre-trip, verify that all containers, drums, boxes, and bags are intact, properly sealed, and show no signs of damage, leakage, or deterioration. Any crack, dent, or loose closure must be reported to your dispatcher.
- Confirm packaging matches the hazmat class. Check the shipping papers and container labels to ensure the package type is DOT-certified for that specific material. Don't assume a container is correct—verify the hazmat class and packaging spec match.
- Check DOT certification marks on containers. Look for DOT specification markings (e.g., "DOT 17C," "DOT 5," "DOT 6A") on drums, boxes, and composite containers. Missing or illegible markings can indicate non-compliant packaging.
- Report and segregate compromised packages. If you discover a leak, loose seal, or structural issue during loading or pre-trip, do not transport it. Flag it immediately to the shipper or dispatcher and request replacement.
- Document your pre-trip inspection. Take a photo or note of hazmat package condition before departure. This creates a record that you verified compliance before the truck left the facility.
Given the rarity of this citation in enforcement data, your biggest risk is a shipper or loader providing non-compliant packaging without your knowledge. The driver's responsibility begins at inspection: verify what you're hauling meets spec before you sign the bill of lading.