What 178.345-11(d) means in plain language
FMCSR 178.345-11(d) is a hazardous materials regulation that governs the packaging and containment requirements for specific classes of hazmat shipments. This code falls under the broader hazmat transportation framework and sets standards for how certain materials must be packaged to prevent leaks, ruptures, or other failures during transport.
When you receive a citation for this code, an inspector found that your vehicle or load did not meet the required packaging standards for the hazardous material being transported. This could involve improper container construction, inadequate closure mechanisms, or failure to use approved packaging materials. The regulation exists to protect you, other road users, and the environment from spills or exposure during normal transport conditions.
Unlike some hazmat violations that result in immediate out-of-service orders, this particular regulation is not OOS-eligible under the current FMCSR framework. That means the citation itself does not force you off the road, but it still carries compliance obligations and potential penalties.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 178.345-11(d) is one of the least-cited FMCSR codes. Our all-time data shows only 1 citation for this code, ranking it #2796 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. In the last 12 months, we have recorded 0 citations, and in the last 90 days, 0 citations.
The out-of-service rate for this code stands at 0.0%—meaning the one citation on record was not paired with an out-of-service placement. This contrasts sharply with the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, indicating that when this code is cited, inspectors typically do not deem the violation severe enough to remove the vehicle from service immediately.
The rarity of enforcement for 178.345-11(d) suggests one of two things: either drivers and carriers are generally compliant with this packaging standard, or inspectors encounter very few shipments subject to this specific requirement. Either way, a citation for this code is statistically unusual.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection database does not provide state-level breakdowns for this code due to the low citation volume. However, we do have carrier-level data: AUTOTRANSPORTES ROMEDU SA DE CV (USDOT 1148259) appears in our records with 1 citation for 178.345-11(d). This single data point cannot be interpreted as an industry pattern and should not be read as an indicator of fleet negligence.
The vehicle makes cited include a Kenworth and a Walker STA, each with one citation. Again, these small numbers do not support any generalizable conclusion about vehicle type or manufacturer.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the hazmat category, 178.345-11(d) is far less frequently cited than its peer regulations. For context:
- 177.834A-HMC (General loading/unloading hazmat) has 3,954 all-time citations and a 99.2% OOS rate—vastly more severe and more commonly enforced.
- 177.834(a) (General loading/unloading hazmat) has 3,839 citations and a 97.9% OOS rate—similarly serious and frequent.
- 177.817(a) (Placarding violation) has 2,274 citations and a 75.1% OOS rate—much more common and more likely to trigger an out-of-service order.
By contrast, 178.345-11(d) sits at just 1 citation and a 0.0% OOS rate, making it one of the rarest and least-enforced hazmat rules on the books. This low enforcement frequency does not mean the rule is unimportant—it reflects the specificity of the packaging requirement and the relative infrequency with which inspectors encounter violations.
How to avoid it
Since 178.345-11(d) addresses packaging standards for hazardous materials, your primary preventive action is to verify that all hazmat shipments are using containers approved and certified for the specific material being transported.
-
Inspect the shipper's paperwork before loading. Confirm that the hazmat has been packaged in a container marked as approved for that material class and hazard level. Do not accept a load if the packaging documentation is missing or unclear.
-
Check container integrity during pre-trip. Look for dents, cracks, leaks, or signs of previous damage. Even an approved container must be undamaged to meet regulatory standards. If you spot any defect, refuse the load or demand repacking before departure.
-
Verify closure mechanisms are secure. Caps, lids, and seals must be properly installed and functional. A loose or missing closure can trigger this violation. Make this part of your hazmat load check every time.
-
Know what material you're carrying. Review the shipping papers and hazmat class before accepting the load. Different materials have different packaging rules. Familiarizing yourself with the shipment type helps you spot packaging mismatches.
-
Communicate with shippers and dispatchers. If you notice packaging concerns, report them immediately. Many citations are preventable when drivers flag problems before the load leaves the facility.
The extreme rarity of this citation in our national database suggests that most hazmat carriers are already meeting this standard. Your focus should be on thorough pre-trip inspection and refusing non-compliant loads—a practice that protects your safety, your company's record, and the public.