What 393.116(f) means in plain language
FMCSR 393.116(f) addresses the securement of intermodal containers—the standardized steel boxes you haul on chassis or flatbed platforms. The regulation requires that these containers be properly secured to the equipment beneath them so they cannot shift, tip, or separate during transport.
"Properly secured" means using the right equipment and methods for your specific container and chassis combination. This includes locking devices, twist locks, or other fastening systems that prevent vertical, horizontal, or rotational movement. The goal is straightforward: ensure the container stays put under normal driving conditions, including hard braking, sharp turns, and rough road surfaces.
When an inspector cites you for 393.116(f), they have observed that your intermodal container is not adequately fastened to the platform or chassis. This is a mechanical and operational compliance issue, not a paperwork violation.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our inspection records, 393.116(f) has generated 49 all-time citations. In the last 12 months, our database shows 0 citations for this violation, and in the last 90 days, 0 citations. This code ranks #1640 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume.
What stands out is the out-of-service rate: every single citation on record—all 49—resulted in the vehicle being placed out of service. That is a 100.0% OOS rate. By contrast, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%, meaning 393.116(f) citations are far more likely to trigger an immediate roadside removal from service. The absence of recent citations does not mean the violation has disappeared; it reflects low inspection activity on this particular code, not zero risk.
The severity weight assigned to 393.116(f) is 7 on the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scale, placing it in the moderate-to-serious range for safety violations.
Who gets cited most
Our enforcement records do not include detailed state-by-state breakdowns for this code due to its low citation volume. However, our data shows that carriers such as Nicholas Worley Trucking Inc, Norberto Islas, and Matt Jerry Trucking LLC have each received 2 citations across the historical period we track.
Among vehicle makes, Kenworth and Peterbilt account for the plurality of citations (15 and 13 respectively), followed by several unpublished and specialty trailer manufacturers. This distribution reflects the typical mix of equipment operating with intermodal containers on U.S. roads.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.116(f) sits alongside high-volume codes such as:
- 393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps: 660,737 citations, 15.4% OOS rate. Lamps are cited far more frequently, but result in out-of-service orders only about one in six times.
- 396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance - general: 236,919 citations, 45.3% OOS rate. This umbrella code captures broader maintenance defects and carries a higher OOS rate than 393.116(f).
- 393.47E — Slack adjuster defective: 180,363 citations, 0.0% OOS rate. Slack adjusters are cited routinely but rarely trigger immediate removal from service.
The 100.0% OOS rate for 393.116(f) makes it a severe citation in practice. When an inspector observes an unsecured intermodal container, they treat it as an imminent hazard requiring immediate correction before the vehicle can move.
How to avoid it
Intermodal container securement failures stem from three root causes: missing or damaged locking devices, operator error during load-up, and failure to verify securement during pre-trip inspection.
Before you accept the load:
- Walk around the container and verify that all twist locks (or other fastening hardware) are engaged and sitting flush. Do not accept a container with a missing, cracked, or visibly damaged lock.
- Confirm the container sits squarely on the chassis. Tilting or misalignment signals improper securement or damage to the platform.
- Check that the chassis itself is clean and free of rust, cracks, or bent attachment points where locks mount.
During your pre-trip:
- Physically inspect each lock by hand. Push and pull the container slightly to confirm zero movement.
- If your carrier uses twist locks, ensure they are rated for the container size and weight you are hauling. Mixing container types with incorrect hardware is a common failure.
- Document the condition of locks in your pre-trip form. If a lock is loose or damaged, do not depart. Contact your dispatcher and wait for repair or container replacement.
On the road:
- After the first 50 miles, pull over safely and re-check locks. Vibration and settling can cause fasteners to loosen.
- Listen and feel for any shifting or movement in the container during turns or braking. Unusual sounds warrant an immediate check.
- If you notice a container beginning to shift, do not continue driving. Stop, verify locks, and notify your dispatcher.
The 100.0% out-of-service rate for this code reflects its safety-critical nature. An unsecured intermodal container can break free and cause injury, property damage, or fatality. Roadside inspectors treat it as a show-stopper, not a minor defect. Diligent pre-trip inspection and load acceptance discipline will keep you moving and your CSA record clean.