FMCSR 393.130(c) Cargo Securement: Q&A for Drivers

Yes—very likely. Across our 13 million inspection records, 393.130(c) citations result in an out-of-service placement 97.8% of the time. That's far above the 31.4% all-FMCSR average. When an inspector finds heavy equipment or machinery not properly secured, they almost always remove the vehicle from service until the cargo is restrained correctly. Do not attempt to move the truck; correct the securement on-site or arrange for a repair facility.

This violation carries a CSA severity weight of 7, which is moderate-to-high in the Vehicle Maintenance category. The exact points depend on your carrier's crash and inspection history over the 34-month CSA window, but a single citation can add 7 points immediately. Multiple violations within 30 days may multiply that impact. Over time, accumulation of maintenance violations like this one can push your carrier into the FMCSA intervention threshold for the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC.

Immediate steps:

1. Do not move the vehicle—it will be placed out of service at 97.8% citation rate.
2. Photograph the current securement and inspect all tie-downs, straps, and chains for damage or improper attachment.
3. Document the cargo weight, type, and dimensions.
4. Contact your dispatch or fleet manager with the inspection report number and the specific securement issue cited.
5. Arrange repair or re-securement at a certified facility before the vehicle can be returned to service.
6. Keep the citation and repair records for your CSA file and any DataQs appeal you may file.

Yes, it is significantly more serious than most maintenance violations. Our data shows 393.130(c) has a 97.8% out-of-service rate—compared to 45.3% for inspection/repair violations (396.3), 15.4% for lamp defects (393.9), and 1.8% for lighting/reflector issues (393.11). The only peer codes in Vehicle Maintenance that consistently result in OOS are active safety defects. Cargo securement failures directly endanger other motorists, which is why inspectors enforce it so strictly.

Yes, you can file a DataQs record dispute if you believe the citation was issued in error. DataQs allows challenges to factual findings—for example, if the inspector incorrectly documented the cargo type, weight, or vehicle identification, or if photos or notes contradict the violation. However, if you were genuinely non-compliant with securement rules at the time of inspection, the citation will likely stand. Work with your carrier's safety manager to gather evidence and file within 90 days of the inspection.

Our inspection records do not segment 393.130(c) citations by state in our public dataset. However, enforcement of cargo securement violations is nationwide. The best approach is to assume any roadside inspection in any state carries risk if your heavy equipment is not properly restrained. Train yourself on your carrier's securement procedure before every haul, and pre-trip inspect all straps, chains, and attachment points—especially on loads carrying machinery or rental equipment.

This citation has not been active in our recent data. Our records show zero citations in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days, compared to 1,331 all-time citations. This does not mean the regulation is no longer enforced—it means it is cited less frequently than peak periods. Cargo securement remains a critical FMCSR requirement, and inspectors retain full authority to cite it. Do not assume it is obsolete; maintain compliance as if active enforcement could resume at any time.

Our data shows Sunbelt Rentals Inc leads with 7 citations, followed by Fraley & Schilling Inc (5 citations) and Melton Truck Lines Inc (4 citations). Many of the top-cited carriers operate heavy rental equipment or machinery transport—industries where improper securement is easier to miss. If your carrier is in heavy hauling or equipment rental, invest in dedicated securement training and a pre-trip checklist. Even one 97.8% OOS-rate citation can disrupt your revenue and CSA score.