What 393.120(e) means in plain language
FMCSR 393.120(e) governs how metal coils must be secured on your vehicle. Metal coils—the heavy, cylindrical rolls of steel or aluminum used across manufacturing and construction—present a unique cargo securement challenge because of their shape, weight distribution, and the fact that they can roll or shift unpredictably if not properly restrained.
When an inspector cites you for 393.120(e), they're saying your coils weren't secured in accordance with specific securement rules. This means the straps, chains, binders, or other restraints weren't properly placed or tightened, the load wasn't blocked or braced correctly, or the overall arrangement didn't meet the standard to prevent shifting or movement during normal driving, braking, or cornering.
The goal is simple: keep your cargo stable and safe so that vibration, sudden stops, or road conditions don't cause coils to move, tip, or fall. Failure to do this puts you, other motorists, and your cargo at risk—and triggers a citation with a CSA severity weight of 7.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.120(e) is cited infrequently but with a critical enforcement pattern: every single citation on record resulted in the vehicle being placed out of service. Our data shows 12 all-time citations, with a 100.0% out-of-service rate—far above the all-FMCSR average of 31.4%.
In the last 12 months, we recorded zero citations for 393.120(e), and zero in the last 90 days. This reflects both the relative rarity of metal-coil hauling and the seriousness with which inspectors treat this violation when they do encounter it. A 100% OOS rate means that if you're cited, the inspector has grounds to declare your vehicle unsafe and remove it from service immediately. You will not drive until the violation is corrected.
393.120(e) ranks #2132 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, placing it well outside the high-frequency violations. However, the severity of enforcement—every case results in OOS—makes it a violation with outsized practical impact.
Who gets cited most
Our enforcement records do not include a state-level breakdown for 393.120(e), so we cannot identify which states have issued the most citations. However, our data does show carrier involvement: WMK TRANS INC (USDOT 3536923) appears in our records with 3 citations for this code, and nine other carriers each have 1 citation on record. Our data shows fleets such as WMK TRANS INC have been cited multiple times, which underscores that metal-coil securement violations can be recurring if attention to load prep and equipment maintenance is not systematic.
Vehicles cited most frequently are GREAT DANE models (7 citations), followed by FREIGHTLIN units (4 citations). This pattern likely reflects the prevalence of those manufacturers in flatbed and open-deck service, where metal coils are commonly hauled.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
393.120(e) sits in the Vehicle Maintenance category alongside codes like 393.9(a) (inoperable required lamps, 660,737 citations, 15.4% OOS rate) and 393.47E (slack adjuster defective, 180,363 citations, 0.0% OOS rate). Compared to these peers, 393.120(e) is cited far less frequently but with much stricter enforcement: a 100% OOS rate versus 15.4%, 45.3%, or 0.0% for other vehicle maintenance violations.
For example, 396.3(a)(1) (inspection/repair/maintenance general) has been cited 236,919 times with a 45.3% OOS rate, reflecting a broader, more variable category. 393.120(e), by contrast, involves a specific cargo type and specific securement rules, meaning inspectors have less discretion: either the coils are secured correctly or they aren't.
How to avoid it
Before you load:
- Inspect all straps, chains, binders, and tiedowns for damage, fraying, or wear. Metal coils demand heavy-duty restraints; marginal equipment fails under the weight and stress.
- Verify that your vehicle's attachment points (D-rings, stake pockets, winches) are functional and properly rated for the load weight. Check for cracks, rust, or loose fittings.
- If you operate a GREAT DANE or FREIGHTLIN unit (the most-cited makes in our database), perform an extra walk-around of tie-down hardware before each trip.
During load placement:
- Position the coil so its center of gravity is stable and it cannot roll laterally. Use blocking, bracing, or cradling appropriate to the coil diameter and weight.
- Apply restraints at multiple points—not just two straps on top. Metal coils require a redundant restraint strategy because a single point of failure can result in the entire load shifting.
- Tighten all straps or chains until there is no visible movement in the coil when you apply hand pressure. Document the pre-trip if your company requires it.
Before and during every trip:
- Conduct a pre-trip focused on cargo restraint. This is not optional; the 100% OOS rate means inspectors treat metal-coil securement as a safety-critical system.
- Stop after your first 50 miles and re-tighten all restraints. Coils can settle, and road vibration can loosen straps over time.
- If you hear or feel any shifting, rattling, or movement of the load, pull over immediately and re-secure before continuing.
Metal-coil securement is high-stakes because the cargo is heavy, the cost of failure is high, and our data shows inspectors enforce it without exception. Invest in quality equipment, inspect it thoroughly, and treat every load as if an inspector is watching—because on the road, they might be.