FMCSR 393.100B: Cargo Securement Load Limits — Q&A

Yes, very likely. Across our inspection records, 393.100B results in an out-of-service citation 95.5% of the time. That means if you're cited for cargo securement devices not meeting the required aggregate working load limit, there's a strong chance the inspector will place your truck OOS until the violation is corrected. This OOS rate is far higher than the 31.4% average across all FMCSR codes, making this one of the most consequential cargo violations.

This violation carries a CSA severity weight of 6 points. That's the raw severity assigned by FMCSA. Your total 30-day CSA impact depends on how many times you're cited in that window—one citation = 6 points on your Cargo BASIC. Multiple citations within 30 days accumulate. These points feed into your carrier's CSA percentile and can trigger safety audits, so even one citation is worth immediate attention to prevent repeat violations.

Immediate steps:

1. Stop and inspect — Do not move the vehicle until the cargo securement devices are verified to meet the aggregate working load requirement.
2. Document the fix — Take photos of the corrected load securement setup for your records.
3. Check related systems — Our data shows 393.100B often appears alongside turn signal issues (393.9TS), emergency equipment defects (393.95A), and brake problems (396.3A1BOS). Have an inspector verify those too before you roll.
4. Get written release — Ensure the DOT inspector signs off that the violation is corrected before departing.
5. Review your manifest — Confirm the cargo weight and securement plan match regulations before your next load.

Yes, much more serious than most. Your 95.5% OOS rate is nearly triple the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%. Compare it to peer codes in vehicle maintenance: general inspection/repair violations (396.3) sit at 45.3% OOS, and turn signal issues (393.9) only hit 6.9% OOS. Cargo securement load violations rank higher because they pose immediate roadworthiness risk. Inspectors treat inadequate load-holding capacity as a road-safety emergency, not a minor defect.

You can file a DataQS (Roadside Dispute Resolution) challenge if you believe the citation is factually wrong or the inspector made a procedural error. However, 393.100B is an equipment-condition violation: the inspector physically verified that your cargo securement devices don't meet the required load capacity. If that inspection was done correctly, a technical contest is difficult. Your best path is to correct the violation immediately and then provide maintenance records proving the devices now meet spec. Consult your carrier's safety team or a DOT attorney for your specific situation.

Over the last 180 days, North Carolina leads with 133 citations, followed by Illinois with 35, and New Mexico with 24. North Carolina's 93.2% OOS rate matches the national pattern—nearly every citation there results in a roadside out-of-service order. New Mexico citations are all OOS (100%), indicating extremely strict enforcement. If you run freight through these states, double-check your load-securing equipment specs before crossing state lines.

Fix it before you move the truck. Over the last 90 days, we've recorded 104 citations for 393.100B, with enforcement ramping sharply in May–July (73 and 65 citations respectively). The violation triggers an OOS order 95.5% of the time, so delaying repair means your truck stays parked and you lose revenue. Cargo securement failures can lead to load shifts, accidents, and multi-state liability. Treat this as a show-stopper until corrected and inspected.

Cargo securement violations are a carrier responsibility. The deficiency in cargo securing devices—whether straps, chains, bars, or restraints—is recorded under the carrier's USDOT number and affects the company's CSA Cargo BASIC percentile. While a driver is typically cited at the roadside, the violation stays with the carrier's safety record. This is why fleet managers need robust securement training and regular equipment audits. A single citation can damage a carrier's score for months.