What 393.104C means in plain language
When you get cited for 393.104C, the inspector found that one or more tiedowns or cargo securement devices on your truck are damaged, defective, or unable to do their job. This isn't about loose cargo or improper securement technique—it's about the condition of the physical hardware itself.
Common examples: a chain with broken links, a ratchet strap with torn webbing, a winch that won't tighten, bent or cracked binders, rusted cables, or straps that won't hold tension. The rule is straightforward: if the device can't securely hold the cargo, it fails the standard.
You don't have to wait until cargo shifts or spills to get cited. Inspectors at the roadside will spot visible damage during a pre-trip or compliance inspection and write the violation on the spot.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.104C has generated 337 all-time citations, with 259 issued in the last 12 months and 45 in the last 90 days. The code ranks #1050 of 3,036 FMCSR violations by total citation volume—moderate frequency, but not rare.
The out-of-service rate for this code is 15.4%, meaning roughly 1 in 6 citations result in the truck being placed out of service. That's substantially lower than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%, indicating that inspectors typically give drivers a chance to fix the defect and continue rather than immediately shutting down the truck. However, 52 trucks across our database have been removed from service for this violation, so severity is not zero.
Monthly data from the last 12 months shows the highest citation count in June 2025 (33 citations) and a recent low in April 2026 (1 citation), with general clustering in the 20–33 range across summer and fall months.
Who gets cited most
Texas dominates the citation count by a wide margin: 87 citations in the last 180 days with a 14.9% OOS rate. Iowa, Illinois, and New Mexico each show only 1 citation in that period, with zero out-of-service placements.
Our data shows fleets and owner-operators such as Santos Moya (USDOT 1958526) and Dirt Money Trucking LLC (USDOT 4397952), each with 4 all-time citations for this code. Octomus Transport LLC (USDOT 3176064), Majic Dump Trucking LLC (USDOT 2017793), and several others have accumulated 3 citations each. The concentration in Texas and among carriers operating in heavy-haul or dump-trucking sectors suggests that high-mileage and high-utilization operations face greater exposure.
Vehicle make data reveals that Kenworth (KW) trucks account for 125 of the 337 all-time citations—more than one-third of the total. Mack (60 citations), Freightliner (41), and Peterbilt (37) follow. This likely reflects market share and the fact that these heavier-duty platforms are more commonly used in cargo-intensive operations.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.104C's 15.4% OOS rate sits well below that of 396.3(a)(1) (Inspection/repair/maintenance—general), which shows a 45.3% OOS rate across 236,919 citations. It also trails 393.9(a) (Inoperable required lamps) at 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate—identical rate but vastly higher enforcement volume.
Codes like 393.47E (Slack adjuster defective) and 396.17C (No proof of periodic inspection) both show 0.0% OOS rates despite significant citation counts (180,363 and 212,081 respectively), suggesting those violations are typically correctable on the roadside. By contrast, 393.104C sits in the middle: more likely to result in an out-of-service placement than some codes, but far less severe than broader maintenance failures.
How to avoid it
Inspect every securement device before every trip. Check all chains, straps, binders, and cables for visible damage: broken links, fraying, tears, rust, or cracks. Test ratchets and winches to ensure they tighten smoothly and hold tension without slipping.
Replace damaged components immediately. Do not tape, wrap, or jury-rig a broken strap or chain. Carry spare tiedowns, and swap out any device that shows wear. A $50 replacement strap beats a citation and potential out-of-service.
Pay attention to brake and steering systems during pre-trip. Our data shows 393.47E (Slack adjuster defective) and 393.53B (Steering system components worn) frequently appear in the same inspections as cargo securement violations. A truck with maintenance issues in one area is more likely to have them elsewhere, so a thorough walk-around catches both.
Keep your lighting functional. 393.9 (Inoperable required lamp) co-occurs with 393.104C in 13 inspections over the last 90 days. Inspectors conducting compliance checks often examine multiple systems. A truck stopped for a broken light may get a full vehicle inspection.
Document your securement method and equipment regularly. Maintain a log or photo record of tiedowns and when they were last replaced. This supports your defense if an inspector disputes whether a device is truly defective or simply showing normal wear.
Train on proper load handling. Co-occurring codes include 393.79 (Defrost/defogger), 393.78 (Windshield), and 392.2RG (Ill/fatigued), indicating that distracted or fatigued drivers may overlook securement issues. A clear mind during pre-trip inspection is as important as the hardware itself.