What 393.110C-C means in plain language
This citation means an inspector found that logs or similar cargo on your truck were not secured properly according to federal securement standards. The regulation requires that logs be fastened to your vehicle using methods and equipment that meet specific load-securing rules designed to keep cargo from shifting, falling, or creating a hazard during transport.
Securement includes the tiedowns themselves (chains, straps, or cables), their attachment points, and how tightly they're tensioned. If an inspector observes that logs are loose, improperly tied, or attached to damaged or inadequate equipment, you'll be cited for this violation. It's not about whether cargo actually fell—it's about whether it's at risk of falling based on what the inspector observes.
This is a strict liability violation. The citation doesn't require proof of negligence; only that the securement does not meet the standard.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.110C-C is among the most serious citations in the Vehicle Maintenance category. Here are the key numbers:
Out-of-service rate: 99.2% — nearly every citation results in the truck being placed out of service until the cargo is re-secured or removed. This rate is vastly higher than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%, making this one of the most immediate enforcement actions inspectors take.
Our inspection records show 1,373 total citations for this code across our database history. In the last 12 months, we've recorded 855 citations, and in the last 90 days, 175 citations. The citation volume has remained elevated and consistent: our data indicates that August 2025 saw the highest monthly count at 98 citations, with most other months ranging from 50 to 92 citations.
Ranked #636 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by overall citation frequency, this violation is not the highest-volume citation but is executed with near-universal out-of-service authority—a signal of inspector confidence and regulatory priority.
Who gets cited most
The top three states where we've recorded this citation in the last 180 days are:
- California: 81 citations, 98.8% out-of-service rate
- New York: 39 citations, 100% out-of-service rate
- Washington: 18 citations, 100% out-of-service rate
Our data shows that California has slightly more citation volume than other states but a marginally lower OOS rate (98.8% vs. 100%), likely reflecting case-specific factors or cargo types. New York and Washington enforce this code with absolute consistency—every single citation results in an out-of-service order.
We also see citations in Maryland, Colorado, Missouri, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Florida. Our records indicate that carriers such as Miguel Gomez Ornelas (USDOT 3989470) and Roofline Inc (USDOT 739235) each have 6 citations in our database, representing fleets with recurring enforcement history on this code.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.110C-C stands out starkly:
- 393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps: 660,737 citations nationally, but only a 15.4% out-of-service rate. This code is cited far more often but results in an out-of-service far less frequently.
- 396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance (general): 236,919 citations with a 45.3% out-of-service rate. Still a fraction of the OOS rate for cargo securement violations.
- 396.17C-PI — No proof of periodic inspection: 212,081 citations but a 0.0% out-of-service rate—a documentary violation with no roadside enforcement action.
The 99.2% OOS rate for 393.110C-C reflects the safety-critical nature of the violation. An unsecured log load is not merely a paperwork or minor maintenance issue; it's an active hazard. Inspectors treat it as an immediate threat and pull trucks off the road accordingly.
How to avoid it
Based on the patterns in our inspection data, here are concrete steps to prevent this citation:
Before every trip:
- Walk around your cargo. Physically check that every log or timber is in contact with tiedowns and that no gaps exist. Our data shows that this code most commonly appears on Freightliner (178 citations), Ford (154 citations), and Frht (100 citations) vehicles, meaning all truck types are subject to enforcement.
- Inspect your tiedown hardware. Look for bent, cracked, rusted, or damaged chains, straps, or attachment points. Code 393.104B-C (damaged tiedown) co-occurs in 21 of the 175 inspections citing 393.110C-C in the last 90 days, indicating that deteriorated equipment is a direct pathway to this violation.
- Verify tension. Logs must be tight enough that they don't shift during braking or cornering. Slack or sagging tiedowns will be cited. Inspect before departure and retension after the first 50 miles if you've loaded fresh cargo.
- Check attachment points. Ensure tiedowns are fastened to anchor points rated for the load. D-rings, frame rails, and other anchors must be intact and properly welded.
On the road:
- Perform mid-trip cargo checks at fuel and rest stops, especially on long hauls. Vibration and road conditions can loosen tiedowns over time.
- Address fatigue early. Our data shows that code 392.2-SLLSR (operating a CMV while ill or fatigued) co-occurs in 22 of 175 recent inspections, suggesting that tired drivers may load carelessly or fail to inspect thoroughly. Don't dispatch fatigued.
Fleet safety perspective:
- If you manage a fleet, prioritize cargo securement training during new-hire onboarding and annual refresher courses. The OOS rate on this code means every citation pulls a truck and driver off the road, creating lost revenue and schedule disruption.
- Audit your tiedown inventory regularly. Replace damaged straps and chains before they become inspector findings.
- Log securement is not negotiable for regulatory or liability reasons—invest in quality equipment and driver discipline.
The 99.2% out-of-service rate on this code is a clear message: inspectors will not issue a warning and move you on. Get it right before you're inspected.