What 393.110D means in plain language
FMCSR 393.110D requires that logs—whether lumber, timber, or similar material—be secured on your vehicle according to specific rules designed to prevent them from shifting, falling, or creating a hazard during transport. If an inspector found that your logs were not properly secured to meet those requirements, they will cite you for this violation.
This isn't about loose chains or a single strap. It's about whether the overall securement system—tiedowns, blocking, bracing, or other methods—kept the cargo stable and safe throughout its journey. The regulation is straightforward: logs must be secured. If they weren't, you get cited.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million roadside inspection records, 393.110D is a relatively uncommon citation. We have recorded 42 all-time citations for this code, with 23 citations in the last 12 months and 7 in the last 90 days. It ranks #1680 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume.
However, when this code is cited, enforcement is strict. Our data shows a 69.0% out-of-service rate—meaning roughly 7 out of every 10 times an officer cites 393.110D, they place the vehicle out of service. This is significantly higher than the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate of 31.4%. That gap tells you inspectors take cargo securement seriously and are willing to ground trucks over it.
Over the past 90 days, we've seen 7 citations with 6 resulting in out-of-service orders. The enforcement trend has been rising: June saw 5 citations, and March of this year showed 4 citations, suggesting heightened focus on this violation.
Who gets cited most
Texas leads by a significant margin. In the last 180 days, our records show 8 citations in Texas with 5 out-of-service placements (62.5% OOS rate). Illinois had 1 citation with no OOS placement, while New Mexico had 1 citation with an out-of-service order (100% OOS rate).
The Texas concentration reflects high cargo activity in that region. The variation in OOS rates—from 0% in Illinois to 100% in New Mexico—suggests that severity of the securement failure and inspector discretion both play a role in enforcement outcomes.
Our data shows carriers such as JC PUPO TRUCKING LLC with 2 citations for this code. No other carrier in our database has more than 1 citation for 393.110D, indicating this violation is dispersed across many different fleets rather than concentrated in any particular carrier.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
393.110D sits in the vehicle maintenance category alongside other structural and securement violations. Compared to peer codes:
393.9(a) (Inoperable required lamps) has generated 660,737 citations with a 15.4% out-of-service rate. That's a much higher citation volume but far lower OOS rate—lighting issues are cited frequently but rarely ground trucks.
396.3(a)(1) (Inspection/repair/maintenance – general) has 236,919 citations and a 45.3% out-of-service rate. That's closer to a general maintenance category and shows moderate OOS severity.
393.47E (Slack adjuster defective) has 180,363 citations with 0.0% OOS rate despite being brake-related. So by comparison, 393.110D's 69.0% OOS rate is exceptionally high—it's one of the strictest-enforced codes in its family.
How to avoid it
Pre-trip inspection: Before you load or depart, walk the cargo area. Check every tiedown, chain, strap, and brace. Look for rust, cracks, or wear on securement hardware. If a chain or strap shows damage, replace it. Our data shows that damaged tiedowns (393.104F3) co-occur with 393.110D violations, suggesting inspectors often find both problems together.
Verify cargo weight and balance: Logs vary in length and weight. Ensure the load is centered and balanced on the trailer. Uneven loading puts stress on securement points and makes restraint more difficult. Take time during loading to confirm the cargo sits stable.
Use proper blocking and bracing: Don't rely on tiedowns alone. Logs can roll even when strapped if they're not blocked. Use wood blocks, cleats, or other blocking material to prevent lateral or longitudinal movement. The regulation requires securement "in accordance with specific rules"—blocking is part of that.
Check securement before rolling: After the cargo is loaded and secured, physically tug on the logs or use the truck to rock side-to-side gently in the lot. Feel whether the load shifts. If it does, tighten securement before you hit the highway.
Keep maintenance current: Our data shows co-occurrence between 393.110D and brake-related violations like 393.47E (slack adjuster defective). A truck with poor brakes is more likely to experience cargo shift during stopping. Stay current on brake inspection and adjustment.
Avoid speeding: Co-occurring code 392.2-SLLS2 (speeding 6–10 mph over limit) appears in 2 of the 7 most recent 393.110D inspections. Speeding increases the force on cargo during stops and turns. Keep speed reasonable, especially on curves and during deceleration.
Know your vehicle: Our citation data shows Freightliner trucks (FRHT) account for 11 citations, followed by other makes with fewer. This isn't a defect in the truck—it reflects market share. But it means if you drive a heavy-duty tractor, you're likely hauling logs regularly. Become an expert in your specific truck's tie-point locations and load-rating limits.