FMCSR 178.340-7(c): MC306/307/312 Double Bulkhead Drain Q&A

No. Across our inspection database, this violation has resulted in an out-of-service placement in 0 out of 1 citation on record, giving it a 0.0% OOS rate. This is significantly more lenient than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%. However, the citation itself still creates a record tied to your carrier—ensure documentation is correct before the 15-day DataQs window closes if you believe the citation is inaccurate.

It's considerably less severe than most hazmat citations. Peer codes in the same Hazardous Materials category show dramatic differences: general loading/unloading violations (177.834A-HMC) carry a 99.2% OOS rate and 3,954 citations; movement of damaged hazmat packages (177.823(a)) runs 51.8% OOS. By contrast, 178.340-7(c) ranks #2,796 of 3,036 FMCSR codes and has never resulted in an out-of-service placement in our records. It is a documentation or minor equipment issue, not a safety emergency.

First: verify the citation details match your truck and the inspection date. Within 15 days, decide whether to contest it through the DataQs review process if you believe the finding is factually incorrect or the equipment was actually compliant. If you don't contest, the violation stays on your FMCSA safety record and may affect your carrier's CSA scores. Request a copy of the inspection report and photos from the enforcement officer or FMCSA to understand the exact finding before filing any response.

Extremely rare. Our database of 13 million+ roadside inspections shows only 1 citation for 178.340-7(c) in our all-time records, with 0 citations in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. This violation ranks #2,796 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. Most drivers and fleet managers will never encounter this code, making it a niche equipment defect tied to specific tanker types.

Yes. DataQs (FMCSA's Roadside Inspection Data Quality Review system) allows you or your carrier to challenge factual errors in the citation within 15 days of the inspection. If you believe the double bulkhead drain was compliant, properly maintained, or if the citation was issued to the wrong vehicle or carrier, file a DataQs challenge. Focus on objective evidence: photos, maintenance records, or expert inspection reports. Equipment-based violations are harder to contest than documentation errors, but inaccuracies in identification can be overturned.

Our records show Island Energy Inc (USDOT 2207996) has received 1 citation for this violation. This is the only carrier on record in our database with a 178.340-7(c) finding. It reflects how extremely uncommon this code is—only companies operating MC306, MC307, or MC312 tankers in the right jurisdiction and inspection context are at risk, and even then the citation rate is negligible.

Low urgency from an operational standpoint, since this code is not OOS-eligible. However, from a compliance and CSA perspective, address it before the next inspection cycle. The 0.0% OOS rate means FMCSA does not view this as an immediate safety threat requiring vehicle impoundment, but ignoring it invites repeat citations. Repair or document compliance and file corrective action evidence with your carrier to support any future DataQs challenge or safety audit.

Both. FMCSA assigns citations to both the driver's record and the motor carrier's profile under the Safety Management Cycle. The violation affects your carrier's CSA Hazardous Materials BASIC and your personal safety record. Over time, patterns of hazmat violations at your carrier can trigger compliance reviews or enforcement actions. Even a single citation can be cited by insurance underwriters or brokers evaluating driver or company risk, so correcting the record through DataQs—if the finding is wrong—protects both you and your employer.