What 393.136D-CLB means in plain language
This citation addresses the secure fastening of large cubic-shaped boulders on your vehicle. When you're transporting a boulder of this type, it must be properly secured to prevent shifting, falling, or creating a hazard to other road users during transport.
The regulation requires that your load restraint system—chains, straps, binders, or other approved devices—keeps the boulder immobilized throughout normal driving conditions and sudden maneuvers. A "cubic shaped" boulder is one with relatively flat faces and defined edges, which presents different securement challenges than rounded stones.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ inspection records, we've logged 12 total citations for code 393.136D-CLB since tracking began. In the last 12 months, inspectors documented 7 citations. Most notably, none have been cited in the last 90 days.
The out-of-service rate for this code is 83.3%—meaning 10 out of 12 inspected vehicles were placed out of service when this violation was found. This is significantly higher than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%, indicating that inspectors view improper boulder securement as a serious safety defect requiring immediate correction before the vehicle can return to service.
On a national scale, 393.136D-CLB ranks #2132 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation frequency, making it a relatively uncommon violation. However, its high OOS rate means that when it does occur, enforcement is swift and the consequences are substantial.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records don't break down citations by state in this dataset, but they do show carrier-level patterns. TDD EARTH TECHNOLOGIES INC (USDOT 510185) accounts for 4 of the 12 all-time citations for this code, followed by COASTAL STONE INC (USDOT 3121171) with 2 citations. The remaining six citations are distributed across smaller operators and owner-operators. This pattern suggests that earth-moving and landscape material transport fleets encounter this violation more frequently, likely because their business model routinely involves hauling large stone loads.
The data does not indicate systemic negligence by any carrier—rather, it reflects the frequency with which certain carrier types interact with cubic boulder loads.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
When you look at other securement and vehicle maintenance codes in the same category, 393.136D-CLB sits in the middle range by severity:
- 393.9(a) — Inoperable required lamps has been cited 660,737 times with a 15.4% OOS rate. Lamp defects are far more common but less likely to result in immediate out-of-service status.
- 396.3(a)(1) — Inspection/repair/maintenance (general) shows 236,919 citations with a 45.3% OOS rate. This is a broader maintenance category that triggers OOS more often than lamp issues but less often than boulder securement.
- 393.78 — Windshield condition defective has 157,894 citations with only a 0.3% OOS rate. Windshield problems are common but rarely result in immediate removal from service.
Your citation's 83.3% OOS rate places it well above most peer codes, indicating that improper load securement is treated as a critical safety issue that cannot be remedied during normal operations—the vehicle must be pulled aside and the load resecured before continuing.
How to avoid it
If you transport cubic boulders or similar quarry materials, implement these pre-trip and load-preparation steps:
- Inspect all securement hardware before loading. Check that chains, binders, straps, or cables show no visible wear, rust, or damage. Damaged fastening hardware is the leading cause of load shift.
- Position the boulder in the truck bed or trailer to maximize stability. Cubic shapes can roll or shift if not centered and braced. Use blocking, wedges, or additional support points to prevent any movement.
- Use redundant securement methods. Don't rely on a single strap or chain. Cross-chain or use multiple anchor points so that failure of one device doesn't compromise the entire load.
- Verify that securement points on your vehicle are rated for the load weight. Over-stressing tie-down eyes, corner posts, or frame attachment points can lead to sudden failure under road vibration or turning forces.
- Perform a shake test before departing. Rock the boulder gently by hand (if safe to do so) or visually confirm zero movement when the truck is moved slowly. Any shifting signals improper securement.
- Re-check securement after the first 50 miles. Vibration and settling can loosen fasteners and allow load creep, especially on new loads or unfamiliar vehicles.
- Know your vehicle's rated tie-down capacity. Lighter trucks (CHEV, FORD models appear frequently in our citation data) may have lower securement ratings than heavier rigs (FRHT, KENW). Match your load to your vehicle's documented capacity.
Proper boulder securement is not optional and not a minor detail. The 83.3% out-of-service rate reflects the fact that inspectors cannot and will not allow improperly secured cubic boulders back on the road. Taking the 15–30 minutes to secure a load correctly is far faster than being pulled out of service and having to find a repair facility to fix securement defects.