What 393.126D4 means in plain language
FMCSR 393.126D4 addresses the secure transport of flattened or crushed vehicles. This code applies when a vehicle being hauled—typically a car, truck, or other motor vehicle that has been compressed or flattened—is not properly restrained or secured during transport.
The regulation requires that any flattened or crushed vehicle in your cargo be fastened and restrained using appropriate methods and equipment to prevent shifting, falling, or damage during transit. This is a specialized cargo securement requirement that goes beyond standard tie-down rules. If an inspector observes that such a vehicle is loose, inadequately chained, or otherwise at risk of moving during transport, they can issue this citation.
This applies regardless of whether the vehicle is destined for a salvage yard, recycling facility, or repair shop. The moment that flattened or crushed vehicle is on your trailer, you are responsible for keeping it secured according to FMCSR standards.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.126D4 is extremely rare. We have recorded 2 all-time citations for this code, with 1 citation in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days.
When this citation is issued, it carries serious enforcement weight. Our data shows a 100.0% out-of-service rate for 393.126D4—meaning every time this violation was found, the vehicle was placed out of service. This is dramatically higher than the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate of 31.4%. This code ranks #2651 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, reflecting how infrequently inspectors encounter it.
The severity of the enforcement outcome—100% OOS placement—indicates that when inspectors find a flattened or crushed vehicle that is not properly secured, they view it as a safety hazard serious enough to remove the truck from operation immediately. There is no middle ground in the enforcement data: if cited, you are taken out of service.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show only one state with a citation for 393.126D4 in the last 180 days: North Carolina, with 1 citation and a 100.0% out-of-service rate.
Historically, our data indicates that LANCE DD'S LLC (USDOT 4046806) and L & Q TRANSPORT LLC (USDOT 4339688) each received 1 citation for this code. The citation volume is so low that drawing broader patterns about carrier risk profiles would not be reliable. What is clear from the data is that this violation is uncommon enough that most fleets and drivers never encounter it during their careers.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.126D4 stands apart due to its enforcement outcome. Compare it to peer codes:
- 393.9(a) (Inoperable required lamps) has generated 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate. Despite vastly higher citation volume, lamps violations result in out-of-service placement far less often.
- 396.3(a)(1) (Inspection/repair/maintenance - general) has 236,919 citations and a 45.3% OOS rate. Even this serious category is cited over 100,000 times more frequently than 393.126D4, yet still has a lower OOS rate than the 100.0% we see here.
- 393.47E (Slack adjuster defective) shows 180,363 citations with a 0.0% OOS rate, meaning brake system defects in this category do not automatically trigger out-of-service status.
The data tells us that when 393.126D4 is cited, it is treated with the highest level of enforcement severity in the vehicle maintenance category. The rarity combined with guaranteed out-of-service placement makes this one of the most consequential citations an inspector can issue.
How to avoid it
Because this citation is so uncommon, the best defense is understanding when you might encounter it and what safeguards apply:
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Know your cargo type. Before loading, confirm whether you are transporting a flattened or crushed vehicle. If so, treat it as specialized cargo requiring specific securement steps. Do not assume standard cargo tie-down procedures are sufficient.
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Inspect securement hardware before every load. Check that chains, binders, and attachment points are rated for the weight and dimensions of the flattened vehicle. Look for bent binders, corroded chains, or loose fasteners at the trailer attachment points.
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Use appropriate tie-down geometry. Flattened vehicles have unusual shapes and weight distribution. Ensure that chains or straps are positioned to prevent the load from rolling, sliding forward, or tipping laterally during braking or turns. Cross-chains should be used when required by FMCSR cargo securement tables.
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Conduct a pre-trip walk-around focused on cargo. Before departing, physically walk the perimeter of your loaded trailer. Look for any visible movement, gaps between the vehicle and the trailer deck, or slack in restraint systems. Tug on tie-down points to verify they are tight.
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Re-check securement during long trips. Vibration and road conditions can loosen tie-downs over distance. At fuel stops or rest breaks, do a quick visual inspection of cargo restraints. Tighten any binders that have backed off.
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Request written guidance if you are unfamiliar with the load. If your company assigns you a flattened-vehicle haul and you have not done it before, ask dispatch or safety for securement procedures specific to that cargo configuration. Do not guess about proper tie-down methods.
The 100.0% out-of-service rate in our data is a clear signal: inspectors have zero tolerance for unsecured flattened or crushed vehicles. One citation means your truck is off the road. Preventing this violation requires discipline during the pre-trip and vigilance during the load.