What 393.120 means in plain language
When you're hauling metal coils, federal regulations require them to be secured in a very specific way. This isn't about loose straps or a quick tie-down—the FMCSR has detailed rules for how metal coils must be blocked, braced, and restrained inside your trailer. If an inspector finds your coils aren't meeting those standards, you'll be cited for 393.120.
Metal coils are heavy, cylindrical objects that can shift dramatically under braking, acceleration, or cornering. They can roll, tip, or break through trailer walls if not properly contained. The regulation exists because a load failure can cause a crash, injure or kill someone, and damage infrastructure. Inspectors look for proper edge protections, correct tiedown placement and count, adequate blocking materials, and no gaps that would allow coil movement.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million inspection records, we've documented 196 all-time citations for 393.120, with 56 citations in the last 12 months and 20 in the last 90 days. The most telling statistic: 92.3% of citations for this code result in out-of-service placement. That's nearly three times the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%.
When an inspector cites you for metal coil securement, there's a very high likelihood your truck will be taken out of service immediately. Of 196 total citations on record, 181 resulted in OOS placement. Only 15 were cited without being placed out of service. This code ranks #1219 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by overall citation volume, but its enforcement severity is exceptionally high.
In the last 90 days alone, we've seen 20 citations. Monthly data shows variability—March 2026 saw a spike to 15 citations—but the trend over the past 12 months is relatively steady, averaging between 1 and 7 citations per month.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show that citations for 393.120 concentrate heavily in specific states. Texas leads with 21 citations over the last 180 days, with a 71.4% OOS rate. Illinois follows with 6 citations and a 100.0% OOS rate—meaning every metal coil securement citation in Illinois resulted in out-of-service placement during this period. The gap in OOS rates between these states is material: Illinois inspectors or conditions consistently trigger immediate removal from service, while Texas sees slightly more variation (some citations don't result in OOS).
Among carriers, our data shows fleets such as P&S Transportation LLC (USDOT 1243338) with 8 citations and Jordan Carriers Inc (USDOT 494832) with 5 citations appear most frequently in our 393.120 records. This reflects the reality that some carriers haul more metal coils or have higher-risk loading practices. Elmendorf Trucking LLC (USDOT 3188374) also shows 5 citations all-time.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
393.120 is notably stricter in enforcement than most Vehicle Maintenance violations. For comparison, the inoperable required lamps code (393.9) has generated 660,737 citations with only a 15.4% OOS rate. General inspection/repair/maintenance violations (396.3(a)(1)) total 236,919 citations but see a 45.3% OOS rate. The code closest in spirit—cargo and vehicle component securement (392.9A2-C)—doesn't appear as frequently in our records, but when it does co-occur with 393.120, it typically signals multiple securement failures in a single inspection.
The 92.3% OOS rate for 393.120 tells inspectors that metal coil securement failures are treated as critical safety hazards. This code isn't a warning; it's a stop.
How to avoid it
Prevention starts with understanding what inspectors are looking for and building it into your pre-trip routine:
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Check tiedown integrity before loading. Our data shows that damaged tiedowns (codes 393.104B and 393.104F3) commonly co-occur with 393.120 citations. Walk your trailer and replace or repair any tiedowns that are bent, kinked, torn, or have compromised attachment points. Don't assume a strap will hold if its hardware is questionable.
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Inspect blocking and bracing materials. Metal coils require edge protections and gap fillers. Look for crushed, rotted, or insufficient blocking. If you can slide your hand between a coil and the trailer wall or floor, it's not blocked properly. Bring extra blocking materials on every coil haul.
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Verify correct load placement. Coils should never be positioned so close to the edge that they could contact and damage the trailer. Check that no coil sits directly against a side wall or door. Use load pins or stakes if your trailer is equipped for them.
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Count and position tiedowns per spec. The regulation specifies exactly how many tiedowns are required based on coil diameter and trailer length. Don't eyeball it. Know the rule for your load and verify tiedown placement before you pull out.
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Cross-check your vehicle before loading. Our most-cited vehicle makes are Freightliners (40 citations), Kenworths (18), and Peterbilts (13). Regardless of your make, ensure your trailer has functioning load-securing equipment. Broken or missing E-track, cracked floor plates, or inoperable gates all make proper coil securement impossible.
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Stay alert and rested. Co-occurring citations show that driver fatigue codes (392.2RG, 392.2W) appear alongside 393.120. A drowsy or ill driver may not load carefully or may miss pre-trip signs of inadequate securement. Never haul metal coils when fatigued.
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Document your load. Take photos of your secured load. If you're ever cited, having clear evidence of proper securement can support your defense and helps fleet managers identify training gaps.
The 92.3% OOS rate isn't a scare tactic—it reflects how seriously federal and state inspectors view metal coil securement. A single failure to secure these heavy, dangerous loads properly can result in immediate roadside removal from service, lost time, and dispatch delays.