What 180.405(j) means in plain language
FMCSR 180.405(j) requires proper certification when a cargo tank is taken out of service. This regulation ensures that hazardous materials tanks are formally documented as withdrawn from operation, preventing unsafe continued use or mishandling of decommissioned equipment.
When a cargo tank reaches the end of its operational life or is temporarily removed from service, specific paperwork and certification steps must be completed. The intent is to create a clear record that the tank is no longer in active hazmat transport, protecting the public and ensuring compliance with hazardous materials regulations.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 180.405(j) has been cited only 11 times in our complete database—making it ranked #2167 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. In the last 12 months, there have been zero citations. In the last 90 days, zero citations.
None of the 11 all-time citations resulted in an out-of-service placement. This gives 180.405(j) a 0.0% OOS rate—dramatically lower than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%. This indicates that when inspectors cite this code, they typically view it as a documentation or procedural issue rather than an immediate safety risk warranting vehicle removal.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show that 180.405(j) citations are extremely sparse. The 11 all-time citations are distributed across carriers including MAIN BROTHERS OIL CO INC, OLD HOMESTEAD REALTY PROPERTIES INC, CENTURY STAR FUEL CORP, and others, each with a single citation. No state or carrier pattern dominates due to the low volume. The citations span vehicle makes including FRHT, INTL, and MACK, each appearing once.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Other hazardous materials handling codes in our database show much higher citation frequency. For example, 177.834A-HMC (general loading/unloading of 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. Even 172.502(a)(1) (placarding general requirements) has logged 1,820 citations with an 18.5% OOS rate.
By contrast, 172.602(c)(1) (maintenance and accessibility of emergency response information) parallels 180.405(j) with a 0.0% OOS rate, suggesting that documentation and certification issues in hazmat transport are treated as lower-severity violations than active loading, unloading, or labeling failures.
How to avoid it
-
Maintain withdrawal documentation: Keep all records and certificates related to cargo tank decommissioning or removal from service readily available. Before accepting a tank for transport, verify it is currently certified for operation and not flagged as withdrawn.
-
Confirm tank certification status: Cross-reference tank identification numbers against your carrier's active equipment roster. Ensure no tank moves into service without explicit clearance and current certification.
-
Document tank lifecycle changes: When a cargo tank is retired, damaged beyond repair, or moved to storage, file the required withdrawal certification immediately. Do not delay paperwork or leave the tank in an ambiguous operational state.
-
Inspect tank documentation during pre-trip: Before departing with a cargo tank, verify that the tank number matches active, certified equipment records. A mismatch may signal improper withdrawal certification.