What 393.116B-CL means in plain language
FMCSR 393.116B-CL addresses one specific cargo security issue: intermodal containers that are not properly secured to the chassis or platform they're being transported on. An intermodal container is the standardized steel box you see stacked on ships, trains, and truck chassis—typically 20 or 40 feet long.
When an inspector finds your container is loose, shifting, or not latched down correctly to the chassis, you get cited for this code. This isn't about how the cargo inside the container is packed; it's about whether the container itself is locked in place to the truck.
The violation matters because an unsecured container can tip, shift during hard braking or cornering, or even detach entirely from your rig. Beyond safety, a failure here typically results in your vehicle being placed out of service until the problem is fixed.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Our inspection records show an extraordinarily high enforcement rate on this code. Across 13 million+ inspections in our database, 393.116B-CL has been cited 548 times all-time, with 379 citations recorded in the last 12 months and 64 in the last 90 days. This ranks the code at #884 out of 3,036 FMCSR violations by citation frequency.
The critical statistic: 98.2% of all citations for 393.116B-CL result in an out-of-service (OOS) order. That means if you're cited, your truck is almost certainly being pulled from service until the container is properly secured. By comparison, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is only 31.4%, making this code dramatically more enforcement-heavy than the typical violation.
Monthly trend data shows citation activity peaked in the summer months (June–August 2025, with 45–47 citations per month) and has declined into early 2026 (2 citations in April 2026 to date). Over the past 12 months, the trend suggests this violation remains steady but is not spiking nationwide.
Who gets cited most
Our data shows enforcement is heavily concentrated in three states: Alabama leads with 53 citations over the last 180 days, followed by Georgia with 23, and West Virginia with 11. All three states show 100% OOS rates—every citation resulted in the vehicle being taken out of service.
Maine is the outlier: 9 citations with a 66.7% OOS rate, the only top state where some violations did not result in OOS placement. This variation is worth noting if your operation runs through these corridors.
By carrier, our data shows fleets such as White Timber Industries Inc (USDOT 294057) with 7 all-time citations, and Strickland Forest Products LLC (USDOT 3109795) and Larry E Strickland Trucking LLC (USDOT 958618), each with 5 citations. These patterns likely reflect the types of loads these carriers haul—forest products and timber shipments regularly move in intermodal containers and are subject to closer scrutiny on container securement.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.116B-CL's 98.2% OOS rate is extreme. Compare it to peer codes:
- 393.9(a) (Inoperable required lamps) has 660,737 citations but only a 15.4% OOS rate—far more frequent but far less likely to yank your vehicle from service.
- 396.3(a)(1) (Inspection/repair/maintenance general) shows 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate—a high rate, but still less than half as severe as 393.116B-CL.
- 396.17C-PI (No proof of periodic inspection) has 212,081 citations but 0.0% OOS rate—enforcement is common but the violation itself almost never results in immediate out-of-service status.
The data clearly shows: 393.116B-CL is one of the most enforcement-intensive violations in terms of OOS placement. If cited, plan to be out of service.
How to avoid it
Our co-occurring violation patterns reveal what inspectors look for alongside container securement checks. The most common companion citations are damaged tiedowns (393.104B-C and 393.104F3-C), which account for 29 shared inspections in the last 90 days. This tells you inspectors are examining your entire securement system—not just the container locks but the chains, straps, and hardware holding it down.
Additionally, we see frequent co-occurrence with tire and brake-related violations (393.75 tire pressure/tread codes, 393.55E coupling device defects). A vehicle in poor overall condition is more likely to be inspected for container securement.
Before every load, especially if you're hauling intermodal containers:
- Walk around the container and chassis before departure. Physically check that container corner castings are seated fully in chassis twist-locks. Ensure no locks are missing, corroded, or broken.
- Inspect all tiedown equipment. If you're using chains, straps, or binders, confirm they're not torn, rusted, or weakened. Replace any damaged hardware before loading.
- Test the locks and restraints. Give the container a firm push from side to side and front to back while parked on level ground. It should not shift at all.
- Check your vehicle's brakes, tires, and coupling systems. The co-occurring citation data shows inspectors cite securement alongside brake and tire violations. A well-maintained rig is less likely to face a detailed securement inspection.
- Know your chassis type. The top vehicle makes cited (Kenworth, Freightlin, Peterbilt, Mack, International) represent standard chassis, but familiarize yourself with your specific locking mechanism. If unfamiliar, ask dispatch or your trainer to walk you through it.
- If you pull different containers, verify the lock compatibility. Not all containers fit all chassis identically. A mismatch can create slack.
The 98.2% OOS rate means this citation has teeth. A single violation will cost you hours or a full day off the road. The enforcement data shows it's worth five minutes of pre-trip time to get it right.