What 178.338-18(b) means in plain language
178.338-18(b) is a hazardous materials regulation that addresses specific requirements for the handling, transport, or documentation of hazmat cargo. The regulation establishes standards that drivers and carriers must follow when dealing with hazardous substances, ensuring safety both on the road and at loading and unloading points.
This rule falls under the broader hazardous materials transportation framework, which is one of the most heavily regulated areas in commercial trucking. Violations typically involve failing to meet packaging, labeling, documentation, or operational requirements related to hazmat loads. If you've been cited, it means an inspector found that your vehicle, paperwork, or operational practice didn't align with what this specific regulation requires.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 178.338-18(b) is exceptionally rare. We have recorded only 1 citation for this code in our entire database history, with zero citations in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days. This places 178.338-18(b) ranked #2,796 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume.
When this violation was cited, the vehicle was not placed out of service, resulting in a 0.0% out-of-service rate for this code. For context, the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate is 31.4%, meaning 178.338-18(b) citations are far less likely to trigger immediate vehicle removal than violations in other codes. However, rarity doesn't mean insignificance—hazmat violations carry serious regulatory weight and can result in substantial fines even if they don't lead to roadside out-of-service placement.
Who gets cited most
Our records show that McNabb Grain Inc. (USDOT 2996974) has the only documented citation for this code in our database. With just one citation on record, there is no meaningful distribution across states or carriers that would allow us to establish patterns. This extreme scarcity underscores how uncommon this violation is in roadside enforcement.
When this citation was issued, the cited vehicle was a Peterbilt and a Utility brand unit. Again, with only one historical citation, these vehicles represent the sole data point rather than an industry trend.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Hazmat violations exist on a wide spectrum of severity. Our data shows that other hazmat-related codes in the same category are cited far more frequently and often trigger out-of-service actions at much higher rates.
For example, 177.834A-HMC (general loading/unloading hazmat violations) has 3,954 citations in our database with a 99.2% out-of-service rate. Similarly, 177.834(a) (general loading/unloading hazmat) shows 3,839 citations and a 97.9% out-of-service rate. Even 177.817(a) (placarding violation) has 2,274 citations with a 75.1% out-of-service rate. By comparison, 178.338-18(b) is cited almost never and, when it is, does not routinely result in out-of-service placement.
On the milder end, 172.602(c)(1) (maintenance/accessibility of emergency response information) shows 1,464 citations with a 0.0% out-of-service rate, similar to the profile we see with 178.338-18(b). The variation in how hazmat codes are enforced reflects the fact that some violations pose immediate safety risks requiring vehicle removal, while others represent documentation or maintenance gaps that inspectors address differently.
How to avoid it
Because this violation is so infrequently cited, the best approach is to ensure comprehensive compliance with all hazmat regulations rather than focusing narrowly on this one code:
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Review your hazmat shipping papers before every load. Verify that all documentation matches your cargo, that weights and quantities are accurate, and that proper descriptions are used. Discrepancies between papers and actual cargo are a common inspection finding.
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Inspect placards and labeling on your vehicle. Ensure all required placards are present, correctly positioned, clearly visible, and not faded or damaged. Many hazmat citations stem from placard issues that occur before or during transit.
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Confirm packaging and containment integrity. Walk around your vehicle during pre-trip inspection and look for leaks, damage, or deterioration in hazmat containers. A single visible defect can trigger a citation.
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Understand what you're hauling. Know the basic hazmat classification of your load—whether it's flammable, toxic, corrosive, or another category. This knowledge helps you recognize what paperwork and placards should be present and what handling procedures apply.
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Keep emergency response information accessible. If your load requires a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or emergency contact information, ensure these documents are physically available in your cab or truck and not buried in a bag or locked compartment.
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Work closely with your dispatcher and shipper. Confirm that the load is packaged, labeled, and documented correctly before you take possession. Many hazmat violations are rooted in shipper error, but the driver and carrier bear the enforcement burden.
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Document your pre-trip hazmat inspection. Make a habit of writing down or photographing placard conditions, container integrity, and paperwork accuracy before departure. This creates a record and reinforces the habit of careful inspection.