What 393.120(c) means in plain language
This regulation governs how metal coils must be secured on your vehicle during transport. Metal coils—rolled sheets of steel, aluminum, or other metals—are heavy cargo that can shift, roll, or become unstable during braking, turns, or highway driving. The rule requires that these coils be restrained using tie-downs, blocking, or other securement devices that meet Department of Transportation specifications.
If an inspector finds that your metal coils are not restrained according to these standards, you'll be cited. The violation is straightforward: the cargo was not secured in accordance with the specific securement rules that apply to metal coils. There is no ambiguity about what "secured properly" means—it's defined by federal spec, and inspectors measure it against that standard.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million inspection records, 393.120(c) has been cited just 13 times in all-time history. In the last 90 days, we've recorded zero citations for this code. In the past 12 months, there have also been zero citations. This is an extremely rare violation.
What makes this code notable, however, is its out-of-service rate. Every single one of those 13 citations resulted in an out-of-service order—a 100% OOS rate. For context, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%, meaning this violation is placed out of service at a rate more than three times higher than the typical FMCSR code. This reflects the safety-critical nature of cargo securement: when an inspector determines that metal coils are improperly secured, the hazard is considered severe enough to warrant immediate removal from service.
393.120(c) ranks 2,110 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by total citation volume, placing it among the least frequently cited violations.
Who gets cited most
Because this violation is rare, the carriers cited appear distributed across the industry. Our data shows that companies such as Mercer Trucking Company Inc (USDOT 27479) and Mercer Transportation Co Inc (USDOT 154712) each received 1 citation over the all-time period. No single carrier accounts for a meaningful share of the citation count.
The vehicle makes most frequently cited for 393.120(c) violations are Freightliner (6 citations), Great Dane (3 citations), and Transcraft, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Ford, and Reitnouer (2 citations each). These are common flatbed and specialized haulers used in coil transport, which aligns with the cargo type regulated by this code.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
In the Vehicle Maintenance category, peer codes show very different enforcement and severity patterns. For example, 393.9(a)—inoperable required lamps—has 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate, making it far more common but less likely to result in removal from service. Similarly, 396.3(a)(1)—general inspection/repair/maintenance violations—has 236,919 citations and a 45.3% OOS rate, indicating both higher frequency and higher severity than 393.120(c).
In contrast, 396.17(c)—no proof of periodic inspection—has been cited 198,331 times but has a 0% OOS rate, showing that documentation violations are treated as correctable, not immediately hazardous. The 100% OOS rate for 393.120(c) places it in the highest tier of severity within its regulatory category.
How to avoid it
If you haul metal coils or specialized cargo, use these pre-trip and load-securement steps:
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Inspect tie-downs and securement devices before every load. Check that chains, straps, or cables are not frayed, cracked, kinked, or corroded. Replace any showing wear. Verify that all fastening hardware—hooks, D-rings, ratchets—is functional and rated for the load weight.
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Confirm working load limits on all restraints. Metal coils are heavy. Know the weight of each coil and ensure your tie-downs are rated to handle that weight plus dynamic forces. A coil that weighs 5,000 pounds may require restraints rated for 15,000 pounds or more to account for braking and acceleration forces.
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Block and brace coils to prevent roll. Metal coils can roll sideways during turns or swerves. Use wooden blocking, edge protectors, or other spacers to prevent the coil from moving laterally. Ensure blocking is secured and won't shift during transit.
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Use at least the minimum number of tie-downs required by spec. Federal regulations specify minimum tie-down counts based on cargo weight and length. Don't guess—count them and verify you meet the minimum before departure.
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Route around scales and inspections you know are heavy on cargo enforcement. If an inspector spots a securement defect, a 100% OOS rate means your truck comes out of service immediately. Proper setup eliminates that risk entirely.
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Document your securement method. Take a photo or note on your bill of lading how you secured the load. If questioned, you have evidence of your compliance effort and the method used.
Metal coil securement is not negotiable. The 100% OOS rate in our data confirms that inspectors treat this violation with zero tolerance—not because they're being harsh, but because improperly secured coils are a genuine crash hazard. A few minutes of pre-trip verification costs nothing and prevents a roadside citation and 24-hour delay.