FMCSR 392.7(b): Pre-Trip Inspection for Intermodal Equipment

No. Across our 13 million inspection records, the data shows a 0.0% out-of-service rate for 392.7(b) citations. All 191 all-time citations for this violation were issued without placing the vehicle out of service. This is significantly lower than the 31.4% average out-of-service rate across all FMCSR codes, making this one of the least severe violations from an operational standpoint.

392.7(b) is relatively uncommon and lenient. Our inspection database ranks it #1229 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, with only 191 all-time citations. For comparison, similar unsafe driving violations like 392.2 (operating while ill or fatigued) have generated over 1.2 million citations with a 0.8% out-of-service rate. The fact that 392.7(b) has never resulted in an out-of-service placement suggests inspectors view it as a documentation or procedural issue rather than an immediate safety hazard.

Immediately document your pre-trip inspection process for intermodal equipment. Request a copy of the inspection report from the officer to understand exactly what was noted as missing or incomplete. Review your carrier's pre-trip inspection checklist specific to intermodal trailers or containers, as this citation reflects a failure to conduct the inspection before operating. If you dispute the finding, document what inspection steps you actually performed and gather supporting evidence for a DataQs (Roadside Data Quality) contest within 90 days.

The severity weight for 392.7(b) is not disclosed in our enforcement data. However, CSA points are assigned based on your carrier's history and FMCSA severity guidelines—not the specific number of citations you receive. Contact your carrier's safety manager or your dispatcher to find out how this citation impacts your personal record and whether it triggers any company policy consequences like retraining or monitoring.

No. Our inspection records show zero citations for 392.7(b) in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days, down from 191 all-time citations. This suggests the violation is either becoming rarer, inspectors are citing it under different code numbers, or carriers have improved compliance. This lack of recent enforcement activity reinforces that this is not a high-priority violation for roadside inspectors.

Evans Delivery Company Inc (USDOT 38111) leads with 10 citations, followed by IMC Logistics LLC and US 1 Logistics LLC, each with 3 citations. However, these numbers are all-time totals and do not reflect current citation patterns. Given zero citations in the last 12 months across the entire inspection database, even carriers previously cited for this violation may not be targeted for it today.

Yes. You have 90 days from the inspection to contest the citation through FMCSA's DataQs (Roadside Data Quality) program. Since 392.7(b) is a procedural/inspection documentation violation rather than a defect, your strongest contest argument focuses on evidence that you actually conducted the pre-trip inspection—logbook entries, inspection forms, witness accounts, or carrier records. Submit clear documentation showing your inspection was performed, even if the officer's form was incomplete or incorrect.

Both. Under FMCSA's CSA system, unsafe driving violations affect your personal driver record and your carrier's Safety Management scores. However, the citation responsibility depends on the facts: if you failed to conduct the inspection, it's a driver violation; if your carrier's procedures prevented you from conducting it, the liability may shift. Work with your carrier's safety department to clarify who bears responsibility and ensure your training records reflect corrective action.