FMCSR 393.136C1: Synthetic Webbing & Boulder Securement

Yes—this violation has a 100% out-of-service rate based on our inspection records. Across our database of 13 million inspections, the one citation for 393.136C1 resulted in an out-of-service placement. For context, the national average out-of-service rate across all FMCSR codes is 31.4%, so this code is significantly more likely to result in immediate roadside removal. If you're cited, expect your vehicle to be taken out of service on the spot until the securement issue is corrected.

No—this is one of the rarest FMCSR violations. Our records show only 1 all-time citation for 393.136C1 across 13 million inspections, ranking it #2796 out of 3,036 tracked codes by citation volume. In the last 90 days, there have been zero citations in our database. This extreme rarity suggests the violation occurs only under very specific load and securement conditions. While uncommon, when it does occur, enforcement is decisive.

1. Stop operations immediately. Your truck will be placed out of service; do not attempt to move it.
2. Inspect your load securement. Review how the boulder or similar cargo is currently fastened and identify why synthetic webbing alone was deemed insufficient.
3. Contact your dispatcher/fleet safety manager. Report the citation and the exact securement failure.
4. Correct the violation on-site. Replace or reinforce the securement method to meet FMCSR standards before the vehicle is released.
5. Document the repair. Keep photos and notes for your records and potential DataQs contestation.
6. Request inspection clearance. Have the inspector re-examine the corrected securement before proceeding.

393.136C1 is far more serious than most peer violations in the vehicle maintenance category. While it has a 100% out-of-service rate, comparable codes like inoperable lamps (393.9) are cited 660,737 times with only a 15.4% OOS rate, and slack adjuster defects (393.47E) appear 180,363 times with a 0% OOS rate. The disparity reflects that synthetic webbing securement failures carry immediate safety risk to other road users. When this violation is identified, enforcement is absolute—there's no gray area.

Yes, you can contest any FMCSR citation through the DataQs system, which allows drivers and carriers to challenge inspection findings within 90 days. For 393.136C1, contestation success depends on whether you can demonstrate that the webbing met applicable securement standards at the time of inspection, or that the inspector misidentified the cargo type or load configuration. Document photos, load manifests, and securement specifications are critical. However, given the 100% out-of-service rate in our records, the violation was likely clear-cut; focus on correcting the securement method rather than disputing if the enforcement was justified.

Illinois accounts for the only recorded citation in our dataset over the last 180 days: 1 citation with a 100% out-of-service rate. The one all-time citation was also issued in Illinois. This extremely limited geographic pattern—combined with only 1 total citation in 13 million inspections—makes state-by-state risk assessment less meaningful. The violation appears to be an edge case tied to specific load conditions rather than a regional enforcement focus.

Immediate action is required. With a 100% out-of-service rate, your vehicle will not be cleared to move until the securement is corrected and re-inspected. The rarity of this citation (zero in the last 90 days, one all-time) means it's not a recurring enforcement pattern, but when inspectors identify synthetic webbing as the sole securement method for a boulder or similar heavy object, they treat it as a critical safety failure. Do not attempt to bypass or defer the repair—compliance is mandatory before you can legally operate.

FMCSR violations are recorded against both the driver and the carrier in the FMCSA safety database. The citation will appear on your carrier's safety record (CSA BASIC categories: Vehicle Maintenance and Cargo Securement) and on your personal driving record. For insurance, employment history, and future compliance audits, both the driver and the company carry the impact. If you're leased, ensure your carrier documents the incident and your corrective action for their own regulatory files.