What 393.134B1 means in plain language
FMSCR 393.134B1 addresses how large boulders must be secured on your truck. When you're hauling aggregate materials like boulders, federal regulations require specific securement methods to prevent cargo from shifting, falling, or becoming a hazard to other road users.
This is straightforward vehicle maintenance and cargo management. The regulation ensures that heavy, irregularly shaped loads—which can cause serious accidents if they come loose—stay firmly in place throughout transport. Whether you're using chains, straps, or other approved devices, the securement must meet federal standards designed for loads of that size and weight.
If an inspector finds that large boulders on your vehicle aren't secured according to those rules, you'll receive a citation under this code. The violation isn't about minor slack or worn equipment; it's about aggregate material that lacks proper containment or fastening.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Our inspection records show that 393.134B1 is exceptionally rare in roadside enforcement. Across 13 million inspections in our database, we have documented only 6 all-time citations for this violation. In the last 12 months, we recorded 0 citations, and in the last 90 days, we also recorded 0 citations.
What makes this code notable is its out-of-service rate: all 6 citations placed out of service resulted in an out-of-service order, giving this code a 100.0% OOS rate. For context, the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate is 31.4%, meaning 393.134B1 citations are far more likely to result in immediate removal from service than typical violations.
Despite this severity in enforcement, the code ranks #2357 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, indicating that most drivers and carriers never encounter this violation at all.
Who gets cited most
Because only 6 citations exist in our database, the citation distribution is sparse. Our data shows fleets such as J B HUNT TRANSPORT INC, INDUSTRIAL SCRAP PROCESSORS INCORPORATED, GJURGENSEN SCRAP DIVISION LLC, ALL TIME LOGISTICS INC, TT EXPRESS INC, and MYERS FAMILY TRUCKING LLC each received 1 citation across all-time records.
The small volume means geographic concentration is limited. With only 6 total citations in 13 million inspections, these violations appear scattered across operations rather than concentrated in specific states or carrier networks.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.134B1 stands apart. Compare it to peer codes:
393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps has 660,737 citations with a 15.4% out-of-service rate. Lamp defects are far more frequently cited, but most don't result in immediate removal from service.
396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance - general accounts for 236,919 citations with a 45.3% out-of-service rate. This is also more common than 393.134B1, but fewer citations result in an out-of-service order.
393.47E — Slack adjuster defective shows 180,363 citations with a 0.0% out-of-service rate. Despite high citation volume, slack adjusters rarely trigger immediate out-of-service placement.
The 100.0% out-of-service rate on 393.134B1—versus these peer-code rates—underscores that when inspectors cite unsecured boulders, the hazard is deemed serious enough to remove the vehicle from the road immediately.
How to avoid it
If you haul aggregate or large boulders, apply these driver-level checks before and during transport:
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Pre-trip visual inspection of all tie-downs and straps. Walk the entire perimeter of your load and verify that chains, binders, or straps are tight, properly rated for the boulder size, and attached to secure anchor points. Do not rely on assumption; physically inspect every fastening point.
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Know your load weight and dimensions. Overloaded or unevenly distributed boulders require different securement than lighter loads. Confirm the shipper's weight and secure accordingly—heavier aggregates need additional or higher-rated restraints.
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Use approved securement devices for your cargo type. Chain binding, ratchet straps, or cable must meet DOT standards for aggregate transport. If your carrier specifies certain equipment, use only that equipment. Do not improvise fasteners or skip anchor points to save time.
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Check for wear and damage to straps, chains, and anchor points. Frayed straps, rusted chains, or bent anchor eyes reduce holding force. Before you take the road, replace or repair compromised equipment.
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Inspect load security during rest stops. Even if you secured the load tightly at the origin, vibration and road conditions can loosen restraints. Stop every 2–3 hours on longer hauls and verify that all fasteners remain tight and that boulders haven't shifted.
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Secure load in accordance with carrier procedures and federal standards. If your company has a load-securement SOP (standard operating procedure) specific to aggregate, follow it exactly. If you're unsure how a particular boulder or batch should be secured, ask your dispatcher or safety manager before departure.
The 100.0% out-of-service rate means that this citation is not a minor fine—it results in immediate removal from service, lost revenue, and delay. The rare frequency of this violation also suggests that most drivers already follow proper securement practices, making it a solvable problem through careful pre-trip planning and attention to detail.