What 393.110C means in plain language
FMCSR 393.110C requires that logs—typically the timber or wooden materials you're hauling—be secured in your truck according to specific tiedown and restraint rules. When an inspector cites you for 393.110C, they found that your logs were not properly fastened, positioned, or braced to prevent movement during transport.
This isn't about logbook records. This is about physical cargo control. Unsecured logs can shift during braking, cornering, or emergency maneuvers, damaging your truck bed, trailer, or worse, falling onto the roadway or other vehicles. The regulation exists to protect you, your rig, and everyone else on the road.
Your citation means an inspector determined your tiedown method, number of tiedowns, or arrangement of logs failed to meet the federal standard. Common findings include damaged or missing tiedowns, improper angle of securement, or logs positioned in ways that allow them to move independently.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, we've documented 410 citations for 393.110C since tracking began. In the last 12 months, we recorded 275 citations, and in the last 90 days, 42 citations. This ranks 393.110C at #985 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—not the most common violation, but far from rare.
What matters most: our data shows a 95.6% out-of-service rate for this code. When you're cited, there is a 19 in 20 chance you'll be pulled out of service on the spot. This is dramatically higher than the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%. Your truck will not move until the logs are properly secured or offloaded. Your delivery window closes. Your carrier takes the financial hit.
The trend over the past year shows seasonal variation. Citations peaked in June 2025 (37 citations, 34 OOS), dipped in April 2025 (11 citations, 11 OOS), and averaged around 20–30 per month through late 2025 and early 2026. This reflects the seasonal nature of timber transport in regions where logging and lumber mills operate.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records over the last 180 days show Texas leads all states with 84 citations and an OOS rate of 95.2%. Iowa follows with 13 citations and a 100% OOS rate—meaning every citation there resulted in an out-of-service order. Illinois recorded 4 citations (75% OOS rate), New Mexico 4 citations (100% OOS), and North Carolina 2 citations (100% OOS).
Texas dominates because it is a major timber-sourcing and logistics hub, with high-volume freight movement and aggressive roadside inspection activity. Iowa's 100% OOS rate, though based on fewer incidents, indicates inspectors there enforce this rule with zero tolerance.
Our data shows fleets such as Universal Logistics of Virginia LLC with 5 citations and J B Hunt Transport Inc with 4 citations all-time. We also see Hewitt Trucking Ltd and Operadora de Transporte Internacional SA de CV each with 4 citations. This reflects carrier exposure to log loads, not negligence—larger and more active carriers naturally generate more inspection interactions.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
393.110C sits in the Vehicle Maintenance category alongside major codes like 393.9 (Inoperable Required Lamp) with 180,097 all-time citations but only a 6.9% OOS rate, and 393.78 (Windshield Condition Defective) with 157,894 citations and a 0.3% OOS rate. Your code is far more likely to result in an immediate out-of-service order.
Another peer is 396.3(a)(1) (Inspection/Repair/Maintenance—General) with 236,919 citations and a 45.3% OOS rate. That code affects the broadest range of maintenance issues; 393.110C is narrower but more strictly enforced. The 95.6% OOS rate reflects the serious safety risk: unsecured cargo is a roadway hazard, not merely a documentation or minor mechanical defect.
How to avoid it
Pre-trip walk-around:
- Physically inspect all tiedowns—webbing, chains, or straps—before leaving the shipper. Look for tears, fraying, broken D-rings, or rust on chains.
- Verify you have the correct number of tiedowns for the load length and weight. A short load of logs still requires proper spacing and quantity.
- Check that tiedowns are routed at the correct angle (typically 45° or steeper on the load side, never slack or nearly horizontal).
Load inspection at the shipper:
- Confirm the logs are cross-braced or bundled per industry standards, not loose.
- Ensure no logs are protruding beyond the side or rear of the truck bed or trailer in a way that would move independently.
- Ask the shipper if the load meets securement specs; if you're unsure, ask them to verify before you sign for it.
During transport:
- Avoid hard braking and sharp cornering, which can expose marginal securement. Drive defensively.
- Stop every 50–100 miles to visually check tiedowns. Vibration and movement can loosen them.
Maintenance link: Our data shows that damaged tiedowns (codes 393.104B and 393.104F3) co-occur with 393.110C citations in 13 and 7 inspections respectively over the last 90 days. Before your trip, inspect your truck's tiedown attachment points and replace any bent or broken hardware. Inspect your own straps and chains regularly, not just when loading.