What 397.11(b) means in plain language
FMCSR 397.11(b) addresses how hazardous materials must be transported in a motor vehicle. The regulation sets requirements for the safe handling and securing of hazmat cargo during transit. Specifically, it covers the manner in which hazmat packages and shipments must be loaded, positioned, and contained to prevent spillage, leakage, or exposure that could endanger the driver, the public, or the environment.
When an inspector cites you for 397.11(b), they're saying that the way your hazmat cargo was loaded, stowed, or secured in the vehicle didn't meet federal standards. This might involve improper positioning, inadequate restraint, or failure to prevent movement or contact between incompatible materials.
Unlike some hazmat violations, 397.11(b) does not automatically trigger an out-of-service order. However, it is still a serious matter because it directly affects the safety of your load and compliance with Department of Transportation rules.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ roadside inspection records, 397.11(b) is extremely rare. All-time, we have recorded just 1 citation for this code. In the last 12 months, there have been 0 citations, and in the last 90 days, 0 citations.
Of that single all-time citation, the driver was not placed out of service. The OOS rate for 397.11(b) is 0.0%, significantly below the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%. This low rate reflects both the infrequent citation of this code and the fact that when it is cited, inspectors typically do not deem the violation severe enough to remove the vehicle from service immediately.
Nationally, 397.11(b) ranks #2796 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, placing it in the bottom 10% of enforced violations. The rarity of this citation suggests that most carriers and drivers are already in compliance with the loading and securing standards it covers.
Who gets cited most
With only 1 all-time citation in our database, geographic distribution and carrier patterns are not meaningful to report. Our data shows that BIG TIRE TRUCKING LLC (USDOT 3545409) received 1 citation for this code. Because the enforcement volume is so minimal, no state-level or multi-carrier trends can be reliably identified.
If you've been cited for 397.11(b), you are part of a very small group. This may indicate that the violation was a judgment call by the inspector, a unique circumstance at the time of inspection, or an unusual loading scenario not commonly encountered in routine enforcement.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
397.11(b) sits within the broader Hazardous Materials category. Comparing it to peer codes shows stark differences in enforcement frequency and severity:
177.834A-HMC (General loading/unloading hazmat) has generated 3,954 citations with a 99.2% OOS rate—among the most heavily enforced hazmat violations. 177.834(a) (General loading/unloading hazmat) follows closely with 3,839 citations and a 97.9% OOS rate. Both of these are roughly 3,800 times more common than 397.11(b).
Other peer codes like 177.817(a) (Placarding violation, 2,274 citations, 75.1% OOS rate) and 177.823(a) (Movement of damaged hazmat packages, 1,829 citations, 51.8% OOS rate) are also cited far more frequently and result in out-of-service orders much more often.
By contrast, 172.602(c)(1) (Maintenance/accessibility of Emergency Response information) has a 0.0% OOS rate like 397.11(b), but has been cited 1,464 times. The extreme rarity of 397.11(b) in our inspection database, combined with its low OOS rate, suggests it is either a very specific edge case or one that inspectors rarely encounter in the field.
How to avoid it
Because 397.11(b) citations are so infrequent, there is limited co-occurrence data to guide prevention. However, you can take the following steps before every hazmat load:
-
Verify load securement before departure. Before hitting the road, physically inspect how your hazmat cargo is positioned and restrained in the vehicle. Ensure packages cannot shift, tip, or come into contact with the vehicle walls or floor in ways that could cause damage or leakage.
-
Separate incompatible materials. If you are carrying multiple hazmat shipments, confirm they are loaded in a way that prevents interaction between incompatible substances. Review the shipper's instructions and placard requirements for each item.
-
Use appropriate blocking and bracing. Hazmat loads must be prevented from moving during transit. Use blocking, bracing, dunnage, or other securing methods appropriate to the weight and shape of the cargo.
-
Check load documentation. Verify that your shipping papers and placards accurately reflect what is in the vehicle and how it should be transported. Mismatched cargo and documentation can lead to inspection findings.
-
Conduct a final walk-around. After the load is complete, walk around the vehicle to visually confirm that nothing is protruding, leaking, or improperly positioned before you depart the shipper's facility.
Given the extreme rarity of 397.11(b) citations, most drivers who follow standard hazmat loading practices will not encounter this violation. If you have been cited, work with your fleet safety manager and the shipper to understand exactly what the inspector observed and adjust your loading procedure accordingly.