What 393.116(a) means in plain language
FMCSR 393.116(a) requires that intermodal containers be properly secured to the chassis or platform they're transported on. When an inspector cites you for this violation, they've found that your intermodal container—whether a 20-foot, 40-foot, or other standard unit—is not adequately fastened or restrained to prevent movement, shifting, or separation during transport.
This isn't about the cargo inside the container. It's about whether the container itself is locked down and immobilized on your chassis. Loose or missing fasteners, broken twist locks, damaged corner fittings, or improperly positioned securing equipment all fall under this rule. The intent is straightforward: a container that shifts or separates from your vehicle creates an immediate hazard to you, other motorists, and your cargo.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across 13 million inspections in our database, 393.116(a) has generated 21 all-time citations with zero citations in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days. This code ranks #1921 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—making it relatively uncommon in roadside enforcement.
What sets this violation apart is its enforcement outcome: our inspection records show a 100.0% out-of-service rate. Every single citation for 393.116(a) resulted in the vehicle being placed out of service. By contrast, the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate is 31.4%. This stark difference reflects the immediate safety risk an unsecured intermodal container poses. Inspectors and enforcement officers treat a loose container as a critical defect that must be corrected before the vehicle returns to the road.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show that carriers such as Evans Timber Harvesting LLC and Ericson Trucking LLC appear among those with citations for this violation. Evans Timber Harvesting LLC (USDOT 3570248) has 2 citations; Ericson Trucking LLC (USDOT 649048) has 1 citation in our all-time database. Because the total citation count is very small—21 across all carriers and all time—no single state or carrier dominates the enforcement picture. The distribution reflects sporadic enforcement on a violation that remains rare in roadside stops.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.116(a) differs markedly from its peers. Consider three peer codes:
- 393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps: 660,737 citations with a 15.4% out-of-service rate. Lighting defects are far more common and less likely to trigger immediate OOS action.
- 396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance general: 236,919 citations with a 45.3% out-of-service rate. This broader maintenance category is cited roughly 11,000 times more often.
- 393.11 — Lighting devices/reflectors: 179,734 citations with a 1.8% out-of-service rate. Like lamps, lighting infractions rarely lead to OOS.
The 100.0% out-of-service rate for 393.116(a) stands alone among these peers. No other common maintenance code in our data shows such uniformity in enforcement outcome. This underscores the safety-critical nature of container securement.
How to avoid it
Preventing a 393.116(a) citation requires attention to your intermodal container before every trip and during pre-trip inspections:
- Inspect all twist locks and corner fittings before loading. Walk around the container and verify that every twist lock—typically four at the corners—is intact, not cracked or missing, and engages fully with the chassis socket. Replace any damaged locks immediately.
- Check for bent or corroded corner posts on the container and corresponding sockets on your chassis. Even minor damage can prevent a secure fit. Use a flashlight to inspect the seating surface.
- Verify the chassis is rated for the container type and weight. Mismatched equipment—such as a 40-foot container on a 20-foot chassis or overloading—creates slack that defeats securement.
- Test the lock engagement by attempting to move the container by hand at each corner after securing. It should not shift at all. If you feel play or hear rattling, re-examine the locks.
- Inspect the chassis frame for cracks or damage near the socket points. A cracked or weakened chassis cannot hold locks properly.
- Document your pre-trip inspection in writing, noting the date, time, and condition of all securement points. This record protects you if an issue develops in transit.
- Do not rely on door bolts, straps, or makeshift fasteners to supplement proper twist locks. Only engineered, approved securement devices count as compliant.
Because this violation is rare but universally triggers out-of-service action, the cost of prevention is infinitesimal compared to the cost of being pulled off the road. A five-minute pre-trip walk-around of the container securement can save hours of delays and fines.