FMCSR 393.120B2: Metal Coil Securement — Driver Q&A

Yes—100% of the time, based on our inspection records. Every citation for 393.120B2 (metal coil securement) in our database resulted in an out-of-service placement. This is far above the all-FMCSR average of 31.4% OOS rate. When an inspector cites you for this code, expect your truck to be taken out of service immediately until the load is re-secured or removed.

This violation carries a CSA severity weight of 7 points. In the Cargo, Spill, and Hazmat BASIC, violations are multiplied by how many times they appear in a 30-day rolling window. A single citation counts as 7 points; multiple citations within 30 days accumulate. The exact CSA score depends on other violations in that window, but this code is classified as a moderate-severity defect in the maintenance category.

Immediate steps:

1. Stop and secure the load properly. Your truck is out of service until metal coils meet FMCSR securement rules—typically chains, straps, or blocking rated for the load weight.
2. Contact your dispatcher or safety manager. Report the citation and OOS status.
3. Document the correction. Take photos or have the inspector witness the re-securement before the truck is released.
4. Request release from OOS. Once corrected, ask the inspector to remove the out-of-service sticker.
5. Keep the citation paperwork. You'll need it for your carrier's record and any DataQs challenge if you dispute the finding.

Yes. The 100% out-of-service rate for 393.120B2 is significantly more severe than most vehicle maintenance codes. Compare: inoperable lamps (393.9a) have a 15.4% OOS rate and 660,737 citations; lighting defects (393.11) have a 1.8% OOS rate across 179,734 citations. Although 393.120B2 is rare—only 3 all-time citations—every one triggers immediate removal from service. This reflects the hazard posed by unsecured cargo.

Yes, you can file a DataQs record challenge through FMCSA's portal within 90 days of the inspection. Your chances depend on the type of dispute: if you have photographic evidence or a weight receipt showing the coils were secured to standard, documentation disputes are often successful. If the inspector's observation was factually incorrect (wrong vehicle, wrong code applied), you can challenge that too. Consult your carrier's safety team or a compliance professional to build your case before submitting.

Very rarely. Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.120B2 has been cited only 3 times all-time, with zero citations in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days. This ranks #2551 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume. While uncommon, when inspectors do flag it, they take it seriously—all 3 citations resulted in out-of-service placements, indicating this is a priority safety defect.

Our data shows GDAN tractors (3 citations), KW Kenworths (2 citations), and Freightliners (1 citation) account for all observed 393.120B2 violations. However, this code applies to any heavy truck carrying metal coils without proper securement. The specific vehicle make is less relevant than the load type—metal coil shipments require strict attention to securing devices per FMCSR 393.120(b)(2) standards regardless of tractor brand.

Yes. A 393.120B2 citation carries a CSA severity weight of 7 points and falls into the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC. One citation will add 7 points to your CSA score in the Cargo, Spill, and Hazmat BASIC (if the violation involves hazmat cargo) or the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC. Given this code's 100% out-of-service rate, the inspection likely documented a serious safety defect. Your CSA percentile ranking will increase (worsen) depending on your overall violation history in that 24-month window.