What 393.116F-CL means in plain language
This citation flags a failure to properly secure intermodal containers to a chassis or platform. When an inspector finds that the containers attached to your truck are not adequately fastened or supported, they are citing you under 393.116F-CL.
In practical terms, this means the inspector observed that your intermodal container—whether a 20-foot or 40-foot unit—was not sufficiently restrained during transport or at rest. Proper securement requires that containers be locked, chained, or otherwise fastened in a way that prevents shifting, tipping, or detachment. This applies whether you are moving the container on its own chassis, on a flatbed platform, or in any other configuration.
The regulation exists because unsecured containers create an immediate hazard to your vehicle, other road users, and cargo. A container that shifts or falls can cause jackknifes, collisions, injury, or death on the road.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Our inspection records show that 393.116F-CL citations carry a 99.0% out-of-service rate—meaning that in nearly every single case, inspectors remove the vehicle from service on the spot. This is dramatically higher than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, underscoring how seriously enforcement treats container securement failures.
Across our 13 million+ roadside inspection records, we document 420 all-time citations for this code. Over the last 12 months, enforcement recorded 265 citations nationally. In the last 90 days, we logged 54 citations, with an OOS rate holding steady at 100% across that period.
Ranked #979 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, 393.116F-CL is not the highest-frequency violation—but its enforcement severity is exceptionally consistent. The data indicates that once cited, drivers are stopped and cannot resume operation until the violation is corrected.
Who gets cited most
Over the last 180 days, Oregon leads enforcement activity with 38 citations, all resulting in out-of-service placement (100.0% OOS rate). South Carolina follows with 16 citations (100.0% OOS), and Alabama third with 15 citations (100.0% OOS). Georgia, Arkansas, Washington, California, Tennessee, Virginia, and Louisiana round out the top ten states, each showing a 100% OOS rate.
All-time citation data shows our database records F V MARTIN TRUCKING CO with 13 citations under this code, and SIERRA PACIFIC INDUSTRIES with 7 citations. This reflects that certain carrier operations—particularly those transporting containerized timber, freight, or intermodal goods—encounter this violation more frequently than others. The prevalence does not imply fleet negligence but rather indicates that carriers in specific commodities face higher exposure to container securement inspection activity.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Among peer codes in the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.116F-CL's 99.0% OOS rate far exceeds that of inoperable lamp violations (393.9(a) at 660,737 citations but only 15.4% OOS rate) and general inspection/repair/maintenance failures (396.3(a)(1) at 236,919 citations, 45.3% OOS rate). Even more striking, proof-of-inspection citations like 396.17C-PI (212,081 citations) carry a 0.0% OOS rate.
In sheer citation volume, inoperable lamps dwarf container securement; in enforcement discretion, however, the inspector almost never lets a container securement failure roll. This reflects the acute hazard posed by unsecured cargo relative to other maintenance or documentation defects.
How to avoid it
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Before each trip, walk around your loaded container. Check that all twist-locks are engaged (if on a chassis), that chains or straps are taut and show no damage, and that the container sits level and does not shift when you push on it. Do not assume the shipper or prior driver secured it correctly.
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Inspect all attachment hardware for damage. Our data shows that damaged tiedowns commonly appear in the same inspections as securement failures. Look for bent or corroded chains, broken welds on anchor points, and worn or cracked straps. Replace any hardware that shows wear before departing.
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Verify your lights are operational. The most frequently co-occurring violation in our 90-day records is inoperable required lamps (393.9A variants appearing in 12 inspections alongside 393.116F-CL). Inspectors performing container checks often verify lighting as well, so a failed lamp inspection can follow quickly after a securement stop.
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Check tire pressure and condition. Eight of our co-occurring inspections linked tire inflation failures to container securement citations. Ensure all tires meet minimum pressure and show no leaks or damage before loading.
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Review your periodic maintenance records. Nine co-occurring violations cite missing or outdated inspection proof (396.17C-PI). Carry current inspection documentation so an inspector can verify your vehicle was recently serviced.
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Understand your vehicle's specific securement points. Kenworth units dominate our 128 all-time citations; Peterbilt units account for 76. Different chassis designs have different lock patterns and anchor geometry. If you drive unfamiliar equipment, ask your dispatcher or the equipment specialist to walk you through securement steps before your first run.