What 178.346-1 means in plain language
178.346-1 is a hazardous materials regulation that addresses specific requirements for handling and transporting certain classes of dangerous goods. The rule focuses on compliance with packaging, labeling, and documentation standards that apply when you're moving hazmat freight that falls under federal Department of Transportation jurisdiction.
This code sits within the broader hazardous materials transport framework. If you've been cited, it means an inspector found a discrepancy between what you were hauling, how it was marked, packaged, or documented, and what the FMCSR requires. The violation doesn't automatically result in an out-of-service order, but it does trigger a compliance issue that needs correction before your next similar load.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 178.346-1 is exceptionally rare. We have seen 1 citation all-time for this code. In the last 12 months, there were 0 citations, and in the last 90 days, 0 citations. This ranks 178.346-1 at #2796 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume.
The out-of-service rate for 178.346-1 is 0.0%—meaning the single citation we recorded did not result in an out-of-service placement. To put this in context, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%, so this code produces far fewer vehicle removals than typical. Since this code is not OOS-eligible under the regulations, inspectors cannot place your vehicle out of service solely for this violation; any OOS action would require a separate, more serious finding.
Who gets cited most
Our data shows one carrier, Alliance Tank Lines Inc (USDOT 1660893), with 1 citation for 178.346-1 all-time. The rarity of enforcement across the industry means there is no meaningful state-by-state variation to report, and no pattern of recurrence at specific locations or among particular fleets.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Other hazardous materials codes in the same regulatory category show dramatically higher enforcement and OOS rates. For example, 177.834A-HMC (General loading/unloading hazmat) has 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate, and 177.834(a) has 3,839 citations with a 97.9% OOS rate. By comparison, 178.346-1 is cited almost never, suggesting inspectors encounter the specific conditions this code addresses very infrequently, or operators are generally compliant.
Other peer codes like 177.817(a) (Placarding violation) show 2,274 citations with a 75.1% OOS rate, and 172.502(a)(1) (Placarding general requirements) has 1,820 citations with an 18.5% OOS rate. These suggest that while placarding and general hazmat loading violations are common enforcement targets, the particular condition cited under 178.346-1 remains unusual.
How to avoid it
Because 178.346-1 citations are so rare in our database, the most reliable prevention strategy is adherence to DOT hazmat transport fundamentals:
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Complete your hazmat endorsement training and stay current. Know the classification, packaging group, and proper documentation for every hazmat commodity you transport. If you're uncertain about a load, ask your dispatcher or the shipper before you move it.
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Verify packaging integrity before loading. Check that containers are not damaged, dented, or leaking. Confirm that closures are tight and that any inner packaging meets DOT standards. This applies regardless of vehicle make—we've seen citations on both tank and other configurations.
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Check labels and placards match your manifest. The shipping papers, placards on the vehicle, and package markings must all align. Mismatches between documentation and physical cargo are a frequent inspection point across all hazmat codes.
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Inspect your vehicle's hazmat safety documentation before each trip. Ensure your emergency response information (ERG or MSDS equivalent) is aboard, accessible, and legible. Confirm that placards are properly affixed, not obscured, and not deteriorated.
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Never transport hazmat if you're unsure of the shipper's compliance. If a load is packed incorrectly or labeled incorrectly at origin, you inherit the liability. A quick visual check and comparison to your bill of lading takes minutes and prevents citations.
The fact that 178.346-1 is rarely cited does not mean it should be ignored—it means that most drivers and fleets are already complying with it, or the specific violation condition is infrequent in the field. Either way, diligent hazmat training and pre-trip verification will keep you clear.