What 393.122(h) means in plain language
FMCSR 393.122(h) sets out specific requirements for how paper rolls must be secured on your truck. Paper rolls—the large cylindrical loads common in transport of newsprint, tissue, or similar materials—present unique securement challenges because of their shape, weight distribution, and tendency to shift if not properly restrained.
The regulation requires that paper rolls be secured in accordance with specific securement rules designed to prevent them from rolling, tipping, or falling during transport. This isn't about general load securement; it's about the particular methods and restraints that work for round, heavy cargo like paper rolls. If an inspector finds your paper rolls aren't secured using the methods specified in the rule, you'll be cited.
The core goal is safety: unsecured paper rolls can shift in transit, change your truck's weight distribution, or spill onto the roadway, creating hazards for other drivers and putting you at regulatory and liability risk.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million inspection records, 393.122(h) remains one of the rarest citations in the FMCSR universe. Our database shows exactly 1 citation for this code in all-time records, with 0 citations in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. This code ranks #2796 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—near the bottom.
While the citation volume is extremely low, the enforcement consequence when it does occur is severe. The 1 recorded citation resulted in an out-of-service (OOS) order, giving this code a 100.0% OOS rate. For context, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%, meaning when 393.122(h) is cited, it is far more likely to result in an immediate roadside shutdown than the typical violation. This reflects the safety-critical nature of cargo securement: inspectors tend to place vehicles out of service for securement failures when the hazard is deemed unacceptable.
The extreme rarity of citations does not mean the rule is unenforced or unimportant. Rather, it suggests that most drivers and fleets are compliant, or that paper rolls are not a high-volume commodity in the sampled population. If you haul paper rolls regularly, treat this as a high-stakes compliance area.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection data shows only 1 all-time citation for 393.122(h). That citation was issued to a fleet such as Rogue Carrier Inc (USDOT 3197835). Because the citation volume is so low, we cannot identify state-level patterns or meaningful comparisons across top states. The enforcement presence for this code is essentially negligible in the national dataset.
The vehicle makes cited were Volvo and Wabash National (1 citation each), suggesting that paper roll violations, when they do occur, appear across different truck and trailer configurations and are not confined to a particular manufacturer.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Cargo securement codes fall under the Vehicle Maintenance category alongside other critical safety rules. Our inspection records show that similar codes carry vastly higher citation volumes:
- 393.9(a) (Inoperable required lamps) has 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate.
- 396.3(a)(1) (Inspection/repair/maintenance—general) has 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate.
- 393.47E (Slack adjuster defective) has 180,363 citations with a 0.0% OOS rate.
By contrast, 393.122(h)'s single citation and 100.0% OOS rate underscore how uncommon—but how serious when encountered—this violation is. The high OOS rate relative to peer codes suggests that when inspectors identify unsecured paper rolls, they view the condition as immediately hazardous and requiring removal from service.
How to avoid it
Because paper roll securement is specialized, prevention depends on understanding your cargo and your equipment:
-
Verify your securement method before loading. If you regularly haul paper rolls, confirm with your dispatcher or shipper exactly which securement method (e.g., stakes, straps, blocking) is required by 393.122(h) and is in place on your trailer. Don't assume the load was secured correctly during shipping.
-
Inspect restraint systems during pre-trip. Walk your trailer and verify that all straps, chains, or binders meant to hold paper rolls are tight, properly rated, and free from damage. A loose strap or corroded chain can fail during transport.
-
Secure against roll and shift. Paper rolls must not be able to roll across the trailer bed or shift side-to-side during braking or cornering. Check that blocking, dunnage, or edge protectors are in place and intact.
-
Distribute load weight evenly. Ensure paper rolls are stacked and positioned so the weight is balanced on the trailer. Uneven loading increases the risk of tipping or shifting during transit.
-
Know your equipment. If you drive a Volvo, Wabash, or any other configuration, familiarize yourself with how your specific trailer accommodates paper roll cargo. Different trailers may have different securement points or constraints.
-
Ask for clarification at dispatch. If you're unsure whether a load is correctly secured, notify your fleet's safety or dispatch team before you leave the dock. A delay is far better than a roadside citation and OOS order.