What 393.120(b) means in plain language
FMCSR 393.120(b) requires that metal coils be secured in accordance with specific securement rules. This is a cargo control regulation—it exists because improperly secured metal coils can shift, tip, or fall during transit, creating hazards for your truck, other vehicles, and the roadway.
Metal coils are heavy, cylindrical loads often transported on flatbeds or in open trailers. They can roll if not properly blocked, braced, or otherwise restrained according to the department's securement standards. An inspector at roadside will look for proper tie-down angles, adequate blocking material, sufficient friction, and load placement to ensure the coil cannot move laterally or longitudinally during normal driving and emergency maneuvers.
This violation is tagged in the Vehicle Maintenance category, meaning it's treated as a condition of your equipment rather than a behavioral or procedural issue. However, it's preventable through careful pre-trip inspection and proper load planning.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across 13 million inspections in our database, 393.120(b) has generated only 9 all-time citations. In the last 12 months, our records show 0 citations for this code, and 0 citations in the last 90 days. This makes it one of the least-cited rules in the FMCSR universe—it ranks #2230 out of 3,036 codes by citation volume.
Despite the low citation count, the enforcement pattern is striking: every single inspection resulting in a 393.120(b) citation led to the vehicle being placed out of service. Our data shows a 100.0% out-of-service rate for this code. For context, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%—meaning when 393.120(b) is cited, the roadside inspector deems the load condition serious enough to prevent the truck from operating until corrected. This is significantly higher than the system-wide average and reflects the safety-critical nature of cargo securement.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show that all 9 all-time citations for 393.120(b) were issued in the United States, and the enforcement data in our database indicates Creekwood Carriers LLC (USDOT 749703) has the highest citation count with 3 citations, followed by Transportes Loro SA de CV (USDOT 881925) with 2 citations. Smaller carriers and owner-operators make up the remainder.
Regarding vehicle makes, the data shows Peterbilt units were cited 4 times, followed by East SO TR trailers with 3 citations. Transcraft and Fontaine T trailers each accounted for 2 citations. This mix reflects the variety of equipment types used in metal coil transport, but does not suggest any single make is inherently non-compliant.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
In the Vehicle Maintenance category, cargo and equipment codes vary dramatically in enforcement frequency and severity. Our data shows 393.9(a) (inoperable required lamps) has 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate—far more common but less likely to result in roadside removal. By contrast, 396.3(a)(1) (inspection/repair/maintenance general) shows 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate, indicating many maintenance defects do trigger out-of-service orders.
Codes like 396.17(c) and 396.17C-PI (no proof of periodic inspection) have generated over 198,000 and 212,000 citations respectively, yet show 0.0% OOS rates—they are largely documentation violations with minimal roadside enforcement teeth. 393.120(b), by contrast, sits at the opposite end: rare citations, but nearly certain roadside removal when detected. This reflects the immediate, observable danger that improperly secured metal coils present.
How to avoid it
Metal coil securement is a pre-trip and load-acceptance responsibility. Here are concrete actions:
- Inspect the coil placement and trailer bunk configuration before accepting the load. Ensure the coil sits flat and centered on the trailer bed, with no gaps underneath that could allow forward or lateral movement.
- Verify blocking and bracing materials are in place. Look for wood blocks, edge protectors, or other devices that prevent the coil from rolling or sliding. These must be tight and load-bearing.
- Check tie-down hardware for angle and tightness. Straps, chains, or cables securing the coil should approach the load from angles that resist both lateral and vertical movement. Tighten all fasteners per the shipper's specification or manufacturer guidance.
- Confirm adequate friction. If the coil rests on a friction mat or treated surface, verify it is in good condition and rated for the load weight. Missing or worn mats reduce holding power.
- Inspect the trailer itself for proper structural condition. Rust, cracks, or missing equipment on the trailer bed reduce the effectiveness of all securement methods. If you notice bunk damage, raise it with the carrier or shipper before loading.
- Document what you see. A photo or note of the load configuration can help defend your position if cited, and alerts the carrier to systemic issues.
- If you inherit a pre-loaded trailer, do not assume prior loading was correct. Walk the length of the load, look underneath and around the coil, and test tie-down tension by hand if safe. It takes five minutes and may prevent a citation.
Because 393.120(b) violations result in 100% out-of-service orders in our data, any roadside citation means you will not be operating that truck until the cargo is re-secured to inspector satisfaction. The cost of a minor securing fix at the shipper far exceeds the lost time and revenue from an on-road citation.