What 393.116(e) means in plain language
This regulation requires that intermodal containers be properly secured to the chassis or platform they're being transported on. When a container isn't adequately fastened—whether through missing or damaged securing equipment, improper use of available hardware, or failure to follow manufacturer securing specifications—you're in violation of 393.116(e).
The rule exists because an unsecured container can shift, tip, or fall during transport, creating an immediate hazard to your vehicle, other traffic, and cargo integrity. Inspectors check that twist locks, locking mechanisms, and other securement devices are present, functional, and properly engaged before you roll.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.116(e) carries significant enforcement weight despite relatively low citation volume. All-time, we've recorded 138 citations for this violation. In the last 12 months, citations dropped to 0, and over the last 90 days, we see 0 citations as well.
What stands out most: every single citation on record resulted in an out-of-service placement. Our data shows a 100.0% OOS rate for 393.116(e)—meaning inspectors do not allow trucks with unsecured intermodal containers to continue operating. This is dramatically higher than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%. When you get cited for this code, your truck stays parked until the problem is corrected.
Ranked #1335 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by total citation count, this violation is not among the most frequent, but its consistency in triggering roadside enforcement action makes it one every driver and fleet needs to understand.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show that enforcement for 393.116(e) is heavily concentrated in the logging and timber transport sector. The top carriers with citations under this code include fleets such as Gilliard Logging LLC (USDOT 489212) with 4 citations and Smith Logging1 LLC (USDOT 938905) with 3 citations. This pattern reflects the nature of the violation: intermodal container securement is most commonly checked when those containers are loaded with heavy or irregularly shaped cargo like timber, which requires especially careful securing.
Mack trucks lead the vehicle make distribution with 15 citations, followed by Freightliner with 10. This mirrors the prevalence of these chassis types in commercial logging and heavy haul operations where intermodal containers are routinely used.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.116(e) stands apart because of its 100.0% OOS rate. Compare this to:
- 393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps: 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate. Lamp failures are far more common but trigger roadside enforcement much less frequently.
- 396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance general: 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate. This broader maintenance category gets cited nearly 2,000 times more often but still leaves roughly half of violating vehicles on the road.
- 393.11 — Lighting devices/reflectors: 179,734 citations with just a 1.8% OOS rate. Again, far more frequent but almost never results in removal from service.
The sharp contrast shows that 393.116(e) is enforced with little tolerance. Inspectors treat unsecured intermodal containers as an immediate safety threat, not a deficiency to be logged for later repair.
How to avoid it
Prevention starts before you leave the yard and continues through every pre-trip inspection:
- Walk the entire perimeter of the container and chassis. Check each twist lock, corner fitting, and securing point—both top and sides. Make sure every locking mechanism engages fully and shows no cracks, bending, or corrosion that would prevent secure engagement.
- Verify the chassis is rated for the container load. Confirm that the container type, weight, and load distribution match the platform's specifications. Overloaded or mismatched configurations can cause containers to shift even if locks are present.
- Test each lock physically before departure. Don't assume a lock is secure because it looks closed. Apply moderate force to confirm it will not release under road vibration.
- Inspect securing hardware after every long haul or rough road section. Road conditions can loosen or bend securing equipment. If you operate regularly in rough terrain or over extended distances, a mid-trip inspection can catch damage before an inspector does.
- Document your pre-trip securement check. Photo or written record of secured container status protects you if an inspector later claims the container came loose during transport and was re-secured at the inspection site.
- Know your specific container and chassis manual. Different intermodal container types and chassis designs use different securing systems. Familiarize yourself with the exact procedure for your equipment; never assume all twist locks operate the same way.
Because 393.116(e) citations universally result in out-of-service placement, a single violation stops your load and creates hours of delay. The cost of a 15-minute securement check at the beginning of your shift is negligible compared to a roadside enforcement action.