FMCSR 393.201(e): Holes in Frame Rail Flange Q&A

Probably not. Across our 13 million inspection records, only 5.0% of citations for 393.201(e) result in an out-of-service order—1 truck out of 20 all-time. This is significantly below the 31.4% national average OOS rate across all FMCSR codes. However, the inspector may still place your vehicle OOS if the frame damage poses an immediate safety risk. Most citations allow you to repair and return to service.

It's relatively minor by enforcement frequency. Our data shows 393.201(e) ranks #1938 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume, with just 20 all-time citations. For comparison, similar vehicle maintenance violations like inoperable lamps (393.9) have 180,097 citations and a 6.9% OOS rate, while lighting defects (393.11) show 179,734 citations with a 1.8% OOS rate. Frame rail drilling is rare but taken seriously when found.

First, inspect your frame rail flanges with a qualified mechanic to assess the damage and determine repair scope. Document the condition with photos. Contact your carrier's safety department immediately if you're a company driver. Schedule the repair at an authorized shop—do not operate the vehicle if an OOS order is issued. Keep the citation and repair invoice for your records. If you believe the citation is inaccurate, request the inspection report and consider filing a DataQs challenge within 30 days.

It's rarely enforced. Our inspection database shows zero citations for 393.201(e) in the last 90 days and zero in the last 12 months, despite 20 citations on record all-time. This suggests inspectors cite it only when frame damage is visually obvious during a Level I or Level II inspection. Most roadside checks focus on more common violations. Holes in frame rails are typically caught during pre-trip inspections or scheduled maintenance.

Yes. DataQs allows you to challenge roadside inspection records directly through FMCSA's online portal within 30 days of the citation date. For 393.201(e), contestability depends on whether the finding is objective (visible hole) or subjective (severity of damage). If you have photos, repair records, or expert testimony that the frame is safe, submit those as evidence. However, if the hole is documented and verified, the citation is unlikely to be overturned—focus instead on expediting repairs.

Across our inspection records, two carriers appear twice: LORAS TRUCKING INC (USDOT 2109235) and SUPER LOGISTICS LLC (USDOT 3936612). Eight other carriers have one citation each. The violation is spread across many fleets rather than concentrated, suggesting it's tied to vehicle age and maintenance practices rather than a systemic carrier issue. Most citations are to smaller operations and owner-operators.

Trailers dominate. Freightliners (FRHT) and Fontaine trailers (FONTAINE T) each have 3 citations, and Wabash (WANC) trailers also have 3. MCI buses account for 2. The remaining citations involve Internationals, Chevrolets, Kenworths, Macks, and miscellaneous vehicles. Older trailers with higher mileage are more susceptible to frame degradation and drilling—both accidental and intentional for mounting equipment—so they appear more frequently in enforcement.

Moderately urgent. While 393.201(e) has a low OOS rate (5.0%), a drilled frame rail can weaken structural integrity and fail under load or stress. If you've been cited, schedule repair within 2–4 weeks to avoid a re-inspection violation. The enforcement trend shows zero citations in the last 12 months, so inspectors are not actively hunting for this violation, but a badly compromised frame poses liability and safety risk. Repair sooner if you haul heavy loads or operate in states with strict roadside enforcement.