393.134(b) Citation: Cargo Securement for Large Boulders

Yes. A 393.134(b) citation puts your truck out of service 100% of the time. Across our inspection records, every single citation for this violation—all 886 in our database—resulted in an out-of-service order. This is significantly higher than the 31.4% average out-of-service rate across all FMCSR codes, making this one of the strictest enforced violations in vehicle maintenance.

A 393.134(b) violation carries a CSA severity weight of 7. This is multiplied by the number of violations found during your inspection—typically 1 per citation. Points accumulate in your carrier's Safety Management System (SMS) and can increase your crash risk percentile in the Unsafe Driving BASIC. Your carrier's safety team can see these points immediately and they factor into carrier ratings and audit triggers.

1. Stop operations immediately. You are out of service and cannot move the truck until fixed.
2. Inspect the boulder securement against FMCSR 393.134(b) requirements.
3. Correct the securement using proper restraint systems before moving.
4. Document the repair (photos, work order) for your records.
5. Request a re-inspection from the inspector or return to a certified location for verification.
6. Report the citation to your carrier's compliance team so they can track it in your file.

Yes, this is exceptionally serious. Our inspection data shows 393.134(b) has a 100% out-of-service rate—far above the 31.4% all-FMCSR average and higher than similar vehicle maintenance codes like inoperable lamps (15.4% OOS), lighting defects (1.8% OOS), or slack adjusters (0.0% OOS). This 100% enforcement rate reflects the hazard of improperly secured large boulders and makes it one of the most consistently enforced safety violations.

Yes, you can challenge a citation through the DataQs Roadside Inspection Defect (RDR) system. Because 393.134(b) is an observable equipment violation—the inspector physically inspected your cargo securement—contestability depends on whether the securement method actually met regulation. If you believe the inspector misidentified your securement as non-compliant, you can submit evidence (photos, engineering specs, or regulatory clarification) within the DataQs window. Work with your carrier's compliance manager; they typically handle appeals for equipment findings.

Not frequently in recent times. Across 13 million+ inspections in our database, 393.134(b) ranks #747 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by all-time volume with 886 total citations. Critically, there have been zero citations in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days in our records. This suggests the violation is either uncommon in current operations or enforcement focus has shifted, but when it is cited, the 100% out-of-service rate shows inspectors treat it as non-negotiable.

Our inspection records show this violation is concentrated in the waste management industry. Waste Management Inc of Florida leads with 11 citations, followed by Republic Services of Florida LP and Southwest Waste Services LLC with 10 citations each. Other waste carriers—Waste Pro of Florida, Republic Services of Indiana Transportation, Waste Management of Delaware, and HIMCO Waste-Away—also appear in the top 10. If you haul aggregate or large boulders for waste operators, understand this code is actively enforced in that sector.

Across our inspection records, Mack trucks dominate with 266 citations, followed by Peterbilt (179), Kenworth (173), and Freightliner (83). These are heavy-duty dump and aggregate haulers—the class of vehicle designed to carry large boulders and stone. If you drive one of these makes and haul aggregate cargo, ensure your securement system meets FMCSR 393.134(b) standards before every load.