What 393.136C1 means in plain language
This regulation addresses how boulders and similar heavy, irregularly shaped cargo must be secured during transport. Specifically, it covers the use of synthetic webbing—straps made from manufactured materials like nylon, polyester, or polypropylene—as a load securement method for boulder cargo.
The rule requires that when synthetic webbing is used to secure a boulder, it must be appropriate for the task, properly rated for the weight and stress involved, and installed in a way that prevents the cargo from shifting, falling, or becoming a hazard to other vehicles. The webbing must maintain tension throughout the trip and not degrade due to weather, abrasion, or contact with the cargo surface.
Drivers and fleet maintenance personnel need to understand that not all webbing is suitable for all cargo. A citation under this code means an inspector found the synthetic webbing securing a boulder to be insufficient—either it was the wrong type, rated too low, installed incorrectly, or visibly damaged or worn.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.136C1 is rarely cited. Our database shows 1 all-time citation for this code, with 1 citation in the last 12 months and 0 in the last 90 days. This ranks 393.136C1 at #2796 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—one of the least-cited vehicle maintenance violations.
When this code is cited, the enforcement outcome is severe. Our data shows a 100.0% out-of-service rate, meaning every instance we've recorded resulted in the vehicle being placed out of service. This is significantly higher than the all-FMCSR average out-of-service rate of 31.4%, indicating that inspectors treat synthetic webbing failures on boulder cargo as serious safety defects. The single citation occurred in November 2025.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records show Illinois as the state where this citation has been recorded, with 1 citation and a 100.0% out-of-service rate. Due to the extremely low citation volume nationally, geographic patterns are limited. The citation in our database involved a TRA or VOLV (tractor or Volvo) unit.
Our all-time data shows that Mirela's Company Inc (USDOT 3176429) received 1 citation for this code. This does not indicate a pattern or systematic compliance issue—one citation across millions of inspections is statistically isolated.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
Within the Vehicle Maintenance category, 393.136C1 sits at the extreme low end of citation frequency but the high end of enforcement severity. By contrast:
393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps has been cited 660,737 times with a 15.4% out-of-service rate. This is roughly 660,000 times more frequent than 393.136C1, but inspectors place it out of service far less often.
396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance (general) shows 236,919 citations with a 45.3% out-of-service rate, indicating more serious defects when they appear. Even so, it's cited 237,000 times more often than synthetic webbing securement.
393.78 — Windshield condition defective has 157,894 citations but only a 0.3% out-of-service rate. This shows that the same category contains violations ranging from nuisance citations to roadway hazards.
The 100.0% out-of-service rate on 393.136C1, despite its rarity, suggests that when webbing securement does fail inspection, it poses a genuine hazard that requires immediate repair before the vehicle can move.
How to avoid it
Because synthetic webbing citations are extremely rare, most drivers will never encounter this violation. However, if you transport boulder or similar heavy, irregular cargo, take these steps:
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Use the correct webbing type and rating. Before loading, verify that your synthetic webbing is rated for the weight and stress of the cargo. Check the manufacturer's rating plate. Undated, sun-damaged, or generic webbing should not be used.
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Inspect webbing before every trip. During your pre-trip inspection, look for fraying, tears, discoloration, or hardening in synthetic straps. UV exposure and heat degrade webbing over time. If you see any damage, replace the webbing before loading.
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Apply proper tension and routing. Webbing must be routed to distribute load evenly and prevent chafing against sharp edges of the boulder. Cross-strapping is typically required. Tension should be snug enough to prevent shifting but not so tight that it deforms the webbing or crushes the cargo.
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Check tension during stops. Even properly secured loads can shift during braking or turning. If you stop for fuel or a rest, perform a quick visual inspection of the webbing to confirm it hasn't loosened or shifted.
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Document your load securement. Take a photo of how the cargo is secured before departure. This record can help prove compliance if you're inspected and provides a baseline for checking during rest stops.
The rarity of this citation should not be interpreted as a sign that inspectors don't care about load securement—rather, most drivers are complying with the standard, and those who don't face immediate removal from service.