What 180.340-7C means in plain language
FMCSR 180.340-7C is a hazardous materials regulation that governs specific requirements for the safe handling and transport of hazardous cargo. While the exact language of the regulation addresses technical specifications for how hazardous materials must be managed during transport, the core intent is to ensure that drivers and carriers comply with packaging, securing, and operational standards designed to prevent spills, leaks, or exposure during movement.
If you've been cited for this code, an inspector found that your vehicle, load, or operational procedures did not meet these hazmat handling standards. This could involve issues with how cargo was secured, the condition of containers, or procedural compliance during transport. The citation means you need to review what the inspector documented and understand whether the issue was equipment-related, loading-related, or procedural.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our database of 13 million+ roadside inspections, 180.340-7C is a rarely cited violation. All-time, we have recorded only 3 citations for this code. In the last 12 months, there has been 1 citation, and in the last 90 days, there have been 0 citations. This makes 180.340-7C ranked #2551 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—placing it well below the national enforcement average.
The most significant finding: our inspection records show a 0.0% out-of-service rate for this code. Of the 3 all-time citations, none resulted in the vehicle being placed out of service. This stands in sharp contrast to the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate of 31.4%, indicating that inspectors view violations of this code as correctable without immediate vehicle removal from service in the cases we have observed.
Who gets cited most
Our data shows citations for 180.340-7C are concentrated in a small number of states. Texas accounts for 1 citation in the last 180 days with a 0.0% out-of-service rate. The overall low citation volume means geographic patterns are limited; the data does not show material variation across states.
At the carrier level, our inspection records show fleets such as Petroleum Express Inc. (USDOT 1922866), Transportes Muzbel SA de CV (USDOT 2957266), and Petrolificos de Monterrey SA de CV (USDOT 3910464) each with 1 citation on record. The citation count is too small to draw conclusions about fleet-wide compliance trends.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
180.340-7C sits within the hazardous materials category, but its enforcement profile is dramatically different from related violations. For context:
177.834A-HMC (general loading and unloading of hazmat) has 3,954 all-time citations with a 99.2% out-of-service rate—meaning nearly every citation results in vehicle removal. 177.834(a) (also general loading/unloading hazmat) has 3,839 citations at a 97.9% out-of-service rate. 177.817(a) (placarding violations) shows 2,274 citations at 75.1% out-of-service.
By contrast, 180.340-7C's 0.0% out-of-service rate and extremely low citation count suggest that when this code is cited, the violation is typically minor or easily corrected at roadside. The inspector data in our system indicates this code is not treated as an imminent hazard in the same way that loading/unloading or placarding failures are.
How to avoid it
Because 180.340-7C citations are rare and none have resulted in out-of-service status, there is limited co-occurring violation data to guide prevention. However, safe hazmat transport practices will protect you across the entire regulatory framework:
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Verify your load documentation before departure. Ensure that bill of ladings, shipping papers, and hazmat certifications match your cargo and that all required information is present and legible.
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Inspect all hazmat containers and closures during pre-trip. Look for dents, leaks, loose caps, or deterioration. If a container shows damage, do not accept the load or report it immediately to dispatch.
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Check that your vehicle is equipped for the class of hazmat you are carrying. Certain materials require specific vehicle types or equipment (placards, emergency response info, spill kit). Confirm before loading.
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Secure all hazmat cargo according to weight distribution and DOT requirements. Loose or improperly positioned containers can shift during transit, creating handling violations.
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Keep your hazmat endorsement current and your knowledge of placarding, labeling, and emergency response procedures up to date. Many hazmat violations stem from procedural gaps rather than equipment failure.
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During transport, avoid sudden maneuvers and monitor your load. If you suspect a leak or container failure, pull over in a safe location, notify dispatch, and follow emergency procedures. Do not continue to a destination with a potentially compromised load.