What 178.338-18(c) means in plain language
178.338-18(c) is a hazardous materials regulation focused on specific requirements for transporting certain classes of hazardous cargo. The rule addresses how hazmat must be secured, contained, or managed during transport to prevent spillage, leakage, or exposure that could endanger the driver, the public, or the environment.
This particular subsection applies to specific packaging or loading scenarios where the hazmat being transported requires additional control measures beyond standard placarding and documentation. If you were cited, an inspector determined that your vehicle, load, or the way hazmat was secured did not meet the standard outlined in this rule.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 178.338-18(c) ranks #2651 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. This is an extremely rare citation—our database contains only 2 all-time citations for this code, with 0 citations in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days.
Of the 2 citations ever recorded, neither resulted in an out-of-service order. The out-of-service rate for this code is 0.0%—meaning every citation was a warning or violation that allowed the vehicle to continue operating. For context, the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate is 31.4%, so this code's enforcement pattern is dramatically less severe in terms of immediate roadside removal.
The scarcity of citations suggests either widespread compliance or infrequent inspection focus on this particular requirement. Either way, if you received a citation for this code, you are in a historically small group.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show that citations for 178.338-18(c) have been issued to fleets such as McCroskey Ranches LLC (USDOT 902827) with 1 citation and ESP Fueling LLC (USDOT 2925426) with 1 citation. Because the citation count is so low, no clear geographic or carrier pattern emerges from the data.
The vehicles cited included equipment from Clough EQU, Heil Co., and Peterbilt—a mix suggesting that this violation can occur across different hazmat vehicle types rather than being concentrated in one class of carrier or equipment.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Hazmat loading and placarding violations span a wide severity spectrum. Our data shows stark differences within the same regulatory category:
- 177.834A-HMC (General loading/unloading hazmat) has 3,954 citations with a 99.2% out-of-service rate—meaning nearly every inspection that flags this code results in immediate removal from service.
- 177.817(a) (Placarding violation) has 2,274 citations with a 75.1% out-of-service rate—still serious, but less automatic.
- 172.602(c)(1) (Maintenance/accessibility of Emergency Response information) has 1,464 citations with a 0.0% out-of-service rate—identical to 178.338-18(c) in enforcement outcome.
The contrast is important: your citation for 178.338-18(c) sits at the non-removal end of hazmat enforcement, similar to emergency information violations. This suggests the violation, while real, was not deemed immediately unsafe enough for roadside quarantine.
How to avoid it
Given the rarity of enforcement data on this code, the best prevention approach is to ensure hazmat is properly contained and secured during every load:
- Verify load securement before departure. Check that all hazmat packages, containers, or tanks are stable, properly braced, and unable to shift during transit. Inspect straps, chains, or blocking for wear and security.
- Confirm packaging integrity during pre-trip inspection. Look for cracks, leaks, rust, or damage to any hazmat container. A compromised package is the root cause of most hazmat violations.
- Review the shipping papers and placard placement. Ensure placards are visible, not faded, and match the hazmat being transported. Mismatched or missing information is a common co-occurring issue in hazmat stops.
- Know your load classification. Understand what class of hazmat you are carrying and what special handling it requires. Some materials demand climate control, vibration isolation, or specific orientation in the trailer.
- Maintain your vehicle's hazmat equipment. If you drive a tanker, test baffles and surge control systems. If you drive a flatbed with hazmat, ensure all tie-downs and restraint devices are functioning.