What 393.136(e) means in plain language
393.136(e) addresses specific requirements for securing and maintaining cargo or equipment on your vehicle. The regulation requires that any item or load be properly fastened, supported, and arranged so it will not shift, fall, or create a hazard during normal driving, stopping, or emergency maneuvers.
In practical terms: inspectors are checking that whatever is on your truck—whether it's cargo in a box, equipment mounted to the frame, or structural components—is secured in a way that keeps it from moving or coming loose. A citation under this code means an inspector observed something that wasn't adequately restrained or positioned, creating a potential road hazard.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.136(e) has generated 4 all-time citations, with 0 citations in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. This code ranks #2480 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—making it one of the least-cited vehicle maintenance violations in the national database.
However, enforcement for this code is remarkably strict: 100% of the 4 citations on record resulted in out-of-service placement. This is significantly higher than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, indicating that when inspectors cite 393.136(e), the defect is almost always serious enough to pull the vehicle from service immediately. If you've received this citation, the inspector determined the cargo or load condition posed an unacceptable safety risk.
Who gets cited most
Our records show that DM HARVESTING & TRUCKING LLC (USDOT 2203504) received 2 of the 4 all-time citations for this code. STARGATE LOGISTICS LTD (USDOT 1346171) and J K TRUCKING SERVICES LLC (USDOT 1404586) each appear once. Across vehicle makes, Kenworth units account for 2 citations, while Dorsey trailers, Fontaine trailers, Freightliner units, and Utility trailers each have 1 citation. The data suggests no particular concentration by carrier or equipment type—this violation is tied to driver and fleet compliance practices rather than vehicle brand or specific company size.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
393.136(e) sits within the broader Vehicle Maintenance category. To put the enforcement intensity in perspective:
- 393.9(a) (Inoperable required lamps) has 660,737 citations with a 15.4% OOS rate—far more frequent but significantly less likely to trigger immediate removal.
- 396.3(a)(1) (Inspection/repair/maintenance general) has 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate—much higher frequency and more aggressive enforcement.
- 393.47E (Slack adjuster defective) has 180,363 citations with a 0.0% OOS rate—common but rarely pulled from service.
The contrast is stark: 393.136(e) is rarely cited, but when it is, the vehicle is always taken out of service. This reflects how inspectors approach cargo securement—they typically do not issue warnings or minor citations. If they find a problem, it is treated as a critical safety failure.
How to avoid it
Cargo and load securement violations are almost entirely preventable through disciplined pre-trip inspection and secure loading practices. Here's what to do:
- Walk around your entire load before departure. Check every tie-down, strap, chain, or binder. Tug on them physically—they should not shift or rattle. Look for loose corners, sagging edges, or items that have moved since loading.
- Inspect mounting hardware on permanent equipment. If your truck carries permanently mounted equipment (toolboxes, racks, light bars, or accessories), ensure bolts, brackets, and welds are tight and not damaged. Wiggle anything that attaches to the frame.
- Verify load weight distribution. An unbalanced load can shift during braking or cornering. Heavier items should be centered and low; lighter items on top or toward the back, never blocking your mirrors or creating blind spots.
- Check your trailer doors and gates. Doors must latch securely. Gates and ramps must be fully secured in their travel position, not partially open or flapping.
- Retension straps and tie-downs mid-shift. If you stop for fuel, rest, or traffic, do a quick visual check of your load. Vibration and movement during transport can loosen fasteners.
- Know your load limits. Do not overload bays, bins, or racks beyond their rated capacity. Overloading causes stress on tie-downs and can lead to separation or collapse.
Because 393.136(e) citations result in 100% out-of-service placements, prevention is far easier than dealing with the citation. A few minutes of careful securement and inspection pre-trip will keep you moving and compliant.