What 392.7(b) means in plain language
FMCSR 392.7(b) requires you to inspect intermodal equipment before you operate it. Intermodal equipment includes chassis, containers, or trailers designed to move between different modes of transportation—truck, rail, or ship. The regulation is straightforward: you must perform a visual and functional check of the equipment before you take it on the road.
This inspection covers the condition and safety of the intermodal unit itself—not just your tractor. You're looking for structural damage, loose fittings, compromised seals, locking mechanisms, or anything that could fail during transport or create a hazard. The goal is to catch problems before they become roadside violations or worse, equipment failure in traffic.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across 13 million inspection records, 392.7(b) has generated 191 all-time citations, placing it at rank #1229 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. In the last 12 months, our database shows zero citations for this violation. Over the last 90 days, there have been zero citations as well.
Of the 191 all-time citations on record, not a single one resulted in an out-of-service order. The out-of-service rate for 392.7(b) is 0.0%. For context, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%, meaning this code is rarely severe enough to remove a vehicle from service during a roadside inspection. That said, the absence of OOS action does not mean the citation is inconsequential—it still appears on your Motor Carrier Safety Assessment (MCSA) record and counts toward your carrier's safety profile.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show that intermodal equipment pre-trip inspection citations have been concentrated among a small number of carriers. Evans Delivery Company Inc (USDOT 38111) has the highest citation count at 10 citations all-time. IMC Logistics LLC (USDOT 292991) and US 1 Logistics LLC (USDOT 1348167) each have 3 citations. Several other fleets—including Swift Transportation Co of Arizona LLC and River Road Trucking LLC—have also been cited, but the overall enforcement volume remains low.
The vehicles most commonly cited for this violation include Freightliner models (20 citations), Hyster forklifts and intermodal chassis (9 citations each), and Volvo tractors (8 citations). CIMC intermodal chassis account for 8 citations. These numbers reflect the vehicle types commonly used in intermodal operations, not a pattern of inherent defect.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
392.7(b) exists in the same regulatory category—Unsafe Driving—as several high-volume violations. For comparison, 392.2 (Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued) has generated 1,208,164 citations with a 0.8% OOS rate. A related variant, 392.2-SLLSR, has 191,232 citations with a 0.1% OOS rate. Another peer, 392.2RG, shows 96,652 citations and 0.1% OOS rate.
The enforcement volume for 392.7(b) is dramatically lower than these peer codes—by a factor of thousands. This reflects the fact that pre-trip inspection violations for intermodal equipment, while regulatory violations, are caught less frequently in roadside enforcement than broader unsafe driving behaviors.
How to avoid it
A pre-trip inspection of intermodal equipment should be part of your routine before you couple, load, or move any intermodal unit. Here are concrete steps to take:
- Walk around the entire unit. Look for cracks, dents, or corrosion in the frame, sides, and top. Check all corners and edges where stress concentrates.
- Test all locking devices. If the unit has twist locks, open them and close them. Verify they engage fully and don't stick. Check corner castings and bottom locks.
- Inspect seals and gaskets. If you're hauling a sealed container, check that the door seals are intact and the doors close evenly without gaps.
- Look at the undercarriage. Check for loose fasteners, broken welds, or missing bolts. Pay special attention to where the chassis connects to the equipment frame.
- Verify tires and wheels on the intermodal unit (if present). Check for proper inflation, cuts, or uneven wear.
- Document your inspection. Write down what you checked and note any defects. Keep the record with your logbook or vehicle maintenance file. This protects you if a later inspector asks what you found.
- Report defects immediately. If you find a problem—a broken lock, a cracked frame, a gap in the door seal—report it to your dispatcher or yard supervisor before you move the unit.
The key is to treat the intermodal equipment as part of your vehicle, not as someone else's problem. A few minutes of inspection at the start of your shift can prevent a citation, a breakdown in traffic, or worse.