393.102A Citation: Insufficient Cargo Tiedowns — FAQs

Not necessarily. Across our inspection records, 393.102A resulted in an out-of-service order in 29.0% of cases—meaning 71% of drivers cited were allowed to continue. However, when it did trigger an OOS order, the truck was detained immediately. The decision depends on the severity of the securement failure and whether cargo is at active risk of shifting or falling. If you're cited, the inspector will tell you right then whether you can proceed or must secure the load before moving.

This violation carries a CSA severity weight of 6 points per citation. In a 30-day rolling window, FMCSA multiplies that weight by the number of violations you receive—so a single citation is 6 points, two citations would be 12. The points feed into your Safety Management System (SMS) BASIC category score, which influences your overall carrier safety profile. Multiple citations within 30 days will escalate your score faster.

First, ask the inspector whether you can proceed or must stop to re-secure cargo. If you can move, do not delay—proceed to a safe location to inspect all tiedowns. Verify the number and condition of straps, chains, or binders match the load weight and cargo type per FMCSR requirements. In our last 90 days of data, 393.102A appeared alongside cargo frame damage (393.106D) and frame structural issues (393.201A) in the same inspections, so check the entire frame and attachment points. Document photos of the corrected setup for your record.

It's on the lower end. Our records show 393.102A ranks #1789 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—only 31 citations all-time. The national average OOS rate across all codes is 31.4%; 393.102A's 29.0% rate is slightly below that. By contrast, general repair violations like 396.3(a)(1) have a 45.3% OOS rate and inoperable lamps (393.9) hit 660,737 citations. In context, insufficient tiedowns is uncommon, which may mean it's either rare in the field or easily corrected.

Yes, you can file a DataQs query to contest the citation if you believe it was issued in error. The process is straightforward: log in to your FMCSA account, locate the inspection record, and submit your challenge with supporting evidence (photos, load documentation, tiedown inventory records). DataQs focuses on factual errors in the inspection record—for example, if the inspector miscounted your tiedowns or failed to account for compliant securement devices. FMCSA aims to respond within 30 days. Keep all documentation of your cargo setup for 12 months.

Our last 180 days of inspection data show Illinois leading with 2 citations (100% placed out of service), followed by North Carolina and New Mexico, each with 2 citations (0% OOS rate). The wide variation in OOS rates by state—100% in IL versus 0% in NC and NM—suggests differences in how inspectors enforce the rule or the severity of violations encountered. If you operate in Illinois, pay extra attention to tiedown configuration.

Very urgent. In the last 90 days, we logged 3 citations for 393.102A, indicating it still appears regularly in the field. Over the past 12 months, we've seen 1 to 3 citations per month, with no clear declining trend. Insufficient tiedowns create a safety hazard that can trigger a second citation quickly if the same load configuration is re-inspected. Correct the issue immediately after being cited—do not assume it will be overlooked at the next weigh station.

Both. FMCSA assigns the violation to the carrier's Safety Management System (SMS) account, which affects your company's overall safety profile and insurance costs. If you drive for a carrier, the citation is recorded under their USDOT number. Your personal driving record also reflects the violation, especially if you have an active commercial driver's license. If you own your own authority, the citation stays under your USDOT. Either way, it remains searchable in the FMCSA database for the life of your operation.