What 393.124F means in plain language
FMCSR 393.124F addresses how concrete pipe must be fastened and positioned on your truck. The regulation requires that concrete pipe be secured in accordance with specific securement rules designed to prevent shift, sway, or loss of cargo during transport.
This is a vehicle maintenance and cargo control issue. Whether you're hauling a single section or multiple lengths of pipe, the regulation defines how those pipes must be restrained—typically using straps, chains, or blocking—to keep them stable and prevent them from moving laterally, longitudinally, or vertically during normal braking, acceleration, and cornering.
A citation for 393.124F means an inspector found your concrete pipe was not properly secured according to those rules. That could mean inadequate tie-downs, straps that were loose or damaged, or positioning that didn't meet the specific arrangement required for pipe cargo.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.124F is one of the rarest violations we track. All-time, we have recorded only 1 citation for this code. In the last 12 months, we see 1 citation. In the last 90 days, we recorded 0 citations.
However, when this code is cited, enforcement is severe: our data shows a 100.0% out-of-service rate. That means every time an inspector wrote a 393.124F citation in our database, the vehicle was placed out of service. For context, across all FMCSR codes, the average out-of-service rate is 31.4%. The 100.0% rate for 393.124F reflects how seriously DOT enforcement treats unsecured or improperly secured concrete pipe—a load that can shift and cause catastrophic accidents.
Because citation volume is so low, this code ranks #2796 of 3,036 tracked FMCSR codes by citation frequency. That rarity, combined with the absolute OOS rate, tells you that inspectors encounter this violation infrequently but take immediate action when they do.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show that in the last 180 days, North Carolina accounts for 1 citation of 393.124F, resulting in a 100.0% out-of-service rate in that state.
Because citation volume for this code is very low nationwide, state-by-state comparison is limited. The single citation we have on record came out of North Carolina and resulted in an out-of-service order.
All-time, our data shows one carrier, Bonnie and Clyde Trucking LLC (USDOT 4084966), with 1 citation for 393.124F. We do not infer patterns or negligence from a single citation; rather, we note that concrete pipe securement violations, when cited, warrant immediate corrective action.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Comparing 393.124F to other vehicle maintenance and cargo securement codes in the same category:
393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps has been cited 660,737 times with a 15.4% out-of-service rate. That code is far more frequent; the OOS rate is much lower, indicating that lamp defects are handled more leniently.
396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance - general shows 236,919 citations with a 45.3% out-of-service rate. This is a broader maintenance code cited thousands of times more often than 393.124F, and it carries a higher OOS rate, suggesting systemic maintenance failures.
393.47E — Slack adjuster defective accounts for 180,363 citations with a 0.0% out-of-service rate, meaning inspectors cite it frequently but rarely place trucks out of service immediately.
In contrast, 393.124F's 100.0% OOS rate is exceptionally high. It places this code among the most serious cargo and load control violations, even though it is cited very rarely. When an inspector observes unsecured concrete pipe, the safety risk is considered immediate and non-negotiable.
How to avoid it
Concrete pipe is heavy and rigid. The following actions will help you avoid a 393.124F citation:
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Inspect all securement equipment before departure. Walk around your truck and visually check every strap, chain, binder, or blocking device for damage, rust, fraying, or looseness. Tighten any loose hardware.
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Verify proper positioning of the pipe load. Ensure pipe is centered on the deck, not overhanging the sides or ends beyond legal limits. Confirm that pipe cannot shift forward, backward, or side-to-side when you brake or accelerate.
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Use the correct number and type of tie-downs for pipe length and weight. Different pipe diameters and lengths require specific numbers of straps or chains. Do not guess; reference the load plan or your company's securement procedure.
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Check blocking and bracing materials. If your load uses wood blocks, foam, or other blocking to prevent pipe movement, confirm those materials are secure, not cracked, and properly positioned under and around the pipe.
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Re-secure after every stop. Before re-entering traffic, quickly walk the load and look for any slack in straps or chains. Vibration and shifting during transit can loosen tie-downs; tightening them takes seconds and prevents a citation.
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Conduct a final visual sweep at weigh stations and before DOT inspections. A roadside inspector will examine your load first. Make sure all securement is visibly tight and properly rated for your load weight.
Because 393.124F citations result in out-of-service orders 100% of the time, prevention is far more efficient than remediation. Proper securement before you leave the shipper's dock is the only acceptable standard.