What 393.116D2 means in plain language
This citation means an inspector found that your intermodal container was not properly secured to your chassis or platform. Intermodal containers—the large steel boxes that move between trucks, trains, and ships—need to be locked, strapped, or fastened down in a way that prevents them from shifting, tipping, or separating during transit.
Proper securement protects your cargo, your truck, other road users, and you. A loose container can slide during braking, sharp turns, or sudden maneuvers. It can also separate from your vehicle entirely, creating a hazard on the road and leading to cargo loss, accidents, and serious liability.
The regulation requires that whatever fastening system you use—whether it's twist locks, container pins, chains, straps, or a combination—must be engaged, functional, and capable of holding the container securely throughout your trip. Inspectors check that these devices are present, properly installed, and not damaged or missing.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.116D2 has generated 6 all-time citations with 4 in the last 12 months and 1 in the last 90 days. Every citation on record—100.0% of the time—resulted in an out-of-service (OOS) order. This is substantially higher than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, reflecting that when an inspector finds an unsecured intermodal container, the violation is serious enough to remove the vehicle from service immediately.
While 393.116D2 is a relatively rare citation (ranked #2357 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by volume), its enforcement rate when triggered is unambiguous: the container must be properly secured before you can legally resume operation.
Who gets cited most
Our data from the last 180 days shows citations concentrated in two states: Illinois with 2 citations (both resulting in OOS) and North Carolina with 1 citation (also resulting in OOS). Both states enforced this code at a 100.0% OOS rate.
Across our all-time records, our data shows individual carriers have received citations at low frequency, with no single fleet dominating this violation. This suggests the violation is distributed widely rather than tied to systemic fleet-level issues.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.116D2 differs markedly from related codes in both frequency and consequences. For comparison:
- 393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps has generated 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate. This is far more common but less likely to be enforced with immediate out-of-service removal.
- 396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance (general) has 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate, showing that general maintenance failures are enforced more strictly than lamps but still at less than half the rate of 393.116D2.
- 393.47E — Slack adjuster defective has accumulated 180,363 citations with a 0.0% OOS rate, indicating inspectors often issue warnings or citations without removing the vehicle.
The 100.0% OOS rate for 393.116D2 underscores that unsecured intermodal containers are treated as an immediate safety hazard that cannot be driven, unlike many other maintenance violations.
How to avoid it
Securing an intermodal container correctly starts before you hook up to the chassis:
- Inspect twist locks and container pins daily as part of your pre-trip walk-around. On each corner of the container where it meets the chassis, verify that twist locks are fully engaged (rotated until they click or lock fully) and pins are inserted and secured with cotter pins or safety clips. Do not skip corners; all four must be engaged.
- Check for bent, missing, or broken fastening hardware before you load. If a twist lock is cracked, a pin is bent, or straps are frayed or torn, do not accept the container. Request replacement or repair from the shipping terminal or your dispatcher.
- Verify the container seat is clean and level on the chassis platform. Dirt, debris, or misalignment prevents secure seating and can cause the container to shift. Wipe the corner posts and platform corners with a dry cloth if needed.
- Engage all locks and pins in the same order every time, working systematically around the container so you do not accidentally skip one. Use a checklist if your fleet provides one.
- Perform a secondary check after the first 50 miles of your trip. Stop safely, get out, and visually inspect each corner lock. Movement and vibration can sometimes reveal if a lock did not fully engage.
- Never assume a container is locked just because someone else loaded it. Even if a terminal or another driver secured it, your pre-trip inspection is your legal responsibility and your protection.
Our data indicates that brake function and lighting are frequently cited alongside securement violations, suggesting that vehicles cited for unsecured containers may also have other maintenance gaps. Make your pre-trip inspection a complete walk-around: check lights, brakes, tires, and fuel system in addition to cargo securement.