What 393.122B means in plain language
FMCSR 393.122B addresses how paper rolls must be secured on your vehicle. Paper rolls—whether newsprint, kraft paper, or similar cylindrical cargo—have specific weight distribution and tie-down requirements to prevent shifting, rolling, or falling during transit.
When an inspector cites you for 393.122B, they've found that your paper roll cargo doesn't meet those securement standards. This could mean insufficient blocking, inadequate straps or chains, improper placement, or gaps that allow movement. The rule exists because unsecured paper rolls can cause rollovers, jackknifes, or lose load incidents that endanger you, other drivers, and roadside personnel.
This is a vehicle maintenance violation, not a driver hours or safety management issue. It's about how your load is physically restrained on the truck.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ roadside inspection records, 393.122B is a rare citation. We've recorded 2 citations all-time, with 1 in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. This places 393.122B at rank #2651 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume.
What's striking about this code is its out-of-service rate. Both of the 2 all-time citations resulted in an out-of-service order—a 100.0% OOS rate. For context, the all-FMCSR average OOS rate is 31.4%, meaning 393.122B citations are far more likely to pull you off the road. When an inspector finds unsecured paper rolls, the cargo or vehicle defect is usually serious enough to warrant immediate compliance before you can continue.
The extreme rarity of this citation suggests either that most fleets and drivers comply well with paper roll securement, or that paper roll loads are less common in the populations being inspected. Either way, if you receive this citation, take it seriously: the data shows inspectors place vehicles out of service nearly every time they find it.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show only 2 all-time citations for 393.122B, distributed among carriers NUNC COEPI EXPRESS LLC (USDOT 1382178) and DZIRE TRANSPORT LTD (USDOT 3187695), with 1 citation each. The vehicles cited were spread across four manufacturer codes: FRHT, GDAN, STOU, and VOLV, each with 1 citation.
Because the citation volume is so low, state-level and carrier-level patterns are not statistically meaningful. The data does not identify a concentration of 393.122B enforcement in any particular region or fleet type.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.122B's rarity stands out. Compare it to related codes:
- 393.9(a) (Inoperable required lamps) has generated 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate—more than 330,000 times more common than 393.122B.
- 396.3(a)(1) (Inspection/repair/maintenance - general) has 236,919 citations and a 45.3% OOS rate.
- 393.47E (Slack adjuster defective) has 180,363 citations with a 0.0% OOS rate.
The key difference: most maintenance codes are cited frequently and have OOS rates well below 100%. 393.122B's 100% OOS rate means every citation leads to an out-of-service order—a much higher consequence than typical maintenance violations. This reflects the safety-critical nature of cargo securement; inspectors do not issue a warning and move on. They take the vehicle out of service until the paper rolls are properly secured.
How to avoid it
- Pre-trip inspection of cargo restraint: Before loading or accepting a loaded paper roll shipment, physically verify that all blocking (plywood, lumber, or other supports) is in place and free of damage. Check for gaps between rolls and blocking.
- Verify tie-down hardware: Confirm that all straps, chains, or cables are present, rated for the load weight, and securely fastened to anchor points. Do not assume the shipper or loader has done this correctly.
- Load placement: Ensure paper rolls are positioned so their weight is distributed evenly across the trailer bed and centered to prevent rollover risk on curves or emergency maneuvers.
- Check for shifting during transport: On long hauls, stop periodically (at fuel or rest breaks) to visually confirm no rolls have shifted or moved. Vibration and road conditions can loosen initial securement.
- Know the weight and dimensions: Heavier or larger paper roll loads may require additional tie-downs or different blocking configurations. Review shipper paperwork before departure.
- Document your pre-trip: If you carry paper rolls regularly, photograph or video the load before departure. This creates a record if a dispute arises and helps you develop a repeatable safe process.