393.116(c): Cargo Securement & Intermodal Containers Q&A

Yes. Across our 13 million inspection records, every single citation for 393.116(c) resulted in an out-of-service order—a 100.0% OOS rate. This is far stricter than the national average of 31.4% across all FMCSR codes. When an inspector finds an intermodal container not properly secured to your chassis, your truck is not moving until it's fixed.

A 393.116(c) citation carries a CSA severity weight of 7. The actual points added to your BASIC score depend on the 30-day multiplier in effect when the citation is entered into the system—typically ranging from 1× to 3× depending on your carrier's violation frequency. Always verify the exact points with your carrier's compliance team or check your CSA report directly.

First, do not move the vehicle—it's out of service. Second, inspect the container and all tie-down points immediately with your safety manager or mechanic. Third, document the repair and have the inspector sign off before departure. Fourth, report the citation to your carrier within 24 hours. Fifth, review your securement procedures: check strap tension, locking mechanisms, and container-to-chassis contact points to prevent recurrence.

Yes, significantly. Our inspection data shows 393.116(c) ranks #2191 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by volume, but its 100.0% out-of-service rate far exceeds peer codes in vehicle maintenance. For comparison, inoperable lamps (393.9) are cited 660,737 times but have only a 15.4% OOS rate. Slack adjuster defects (393.47E) are cited 180,363 times with 0.0% OOS. Improper container securement is treated as an immediate safety failure.

Yes, you can contest any roadside inspection finding through the DataQs system within 90 days. Submit your challenge through your carrier's FMCSA login. Since 393.116(c) is an equipment/observation violation, your case should document the securement method, tie-down specifications, and any repair receipts. Success depends on evidence that the container was actually secured correctly at the time of inspection.

No, it's extremely rare. Our database shows zero citations for 393.116(c) in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days. All 10 all-time citations in our records are historical. This suggests either very low violation frequency in the field or that most carriers have strong securement protocols in place. If cited, you'd be part of a very small group.

Under FMCSA CSA policy, roadside inspection violations appear in both your driver record and your carrier's Safety Management BASIC scores. A 393.116(c) citation will show up in your carrier's Vehicle Maintenance BASIC category. Your personal driver history is also affected, which can impact insurance, lease status, and future employment. Both you and your carrier share responsibility for compliance.

Across our 13 million records, Kenworth trucks account for 3 of the 10 all-time citations for 393.116(c), followed by Freightliner with 2. However, with only 10 total citations on record, vehicle make is not a strong predictor. Any truck carrying intermodal containers is equally at risk if securement standards are not met. Focus on procedure and inspection technique, not vehicle type.