393.100BC

393.100BC Violation: Cargo Not Secured Against Leaking or Falling

Cargo was recorded as inadequately contained, immobilized, or secured against leaking, spilling, blowing, shifting, or falling from the vehicle.

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Plain-English answer

What does violation code 393.100BC mean?

Cargo was recorded as inadequately contained, immobilized, or secured against leaking, spilling, blowing, shifting, or falling from the vehicle.

Why carriers pay attention

How 393.100BC can affect a trucking safety record

Cargo-securement findings can be highly fact-specific. The commodity, vehicle, securement method, tiedown condition, working load limits, and movement observed all matter.

FMCSA inspection data can flow into the Safety Measurement System used to organize carrier performance into Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories, commonly called FMCSA SMS BASICs. The carrier should verify the inspection, the assigned BASIC, and whether the violation is included in the official calculation.

How it gets cited

Common 393.100BC inspection situations

  • Loose material, debris, dunnage, or freight is not contained or secured.

  • The inspector records a general cargo code even though a commodity-specific securement rule may apply.

DataQ review

When a 393.100BC violation may deserve a closer look

A DataQ challenge should identify a specific factual or legal error in the inspection data. These are review questions—not assumptions that the violation should be removed.

Potential review angles

  • The cargo was blocked, braced, contained, or tied down as required.
  • The cited material was not cargo or did not create the reported risk.
  • Photographs or calculations contradict the stated securement deficiency.

Evidence to collect

  • Pre-trip and roadside photographs of the complete load
  • Tiedown count, working load limit, and securement calculations
  • Bills of lading and commodity-specific loading instructions
Compliance expert review

Not sure whether 393.100BC belongs on your record?

We'll review the violation details, identify evidence gaps, and explain whether the facts may support a DataQ challenge.

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DataQs changes in 2026

A stronger review process still requires a stronger record.

FMCSA’s 2026 DataQs overhaul adds independent review stages, decision deadlines, and more detailed explanations. Carriers still carry the burden of identifying the error and supporting the requested correction.

See the 2026 DataQs changes
Frequently asked questions

393.100BC violation FAQ

What does a 393.100BC violation mean?

Cargo was recorded as inadequately contained, immobilized, or secured against leaking, spilling, blowing, shifting, or falling from the vehicle.

Which FMCSA SMS BASIC is associated with 393.100BC?

Code 393.100BC is commonly associated with the Vehicle Maintenance BASIC in the FMCSA Safety Measurement System. Inclusion and weighting should be confirmed on the carrier’s official record.

Can a trucking company challenge a 393.100BC violation?

A carrier may submit an FMCSA DataQs Request for Data Review when the underlying inspection data is incomplete or incorrect. A repair made after the inspection does not by itself prove the original 393.100BC finding was wrong.

What evidence helps review a 393.100BC violation?

Useful evidence may include pre-trip and roadside photographs of the complete load, tiedown count, working load limit, and securement calculations, bills of lading and commodity-specific loading instructions. The best evidence is tied to the cited vehicle, driver, location, and inspection time.

Keep reviewing

Related DOT violation codes

View all violation guides
393.9Inoperable Required LampLighting396.17CNo Proof of Periodic InspectionInspection and maintenance393.75A3Flat Tire or Audible Air LeakTires and wheels393.75CTire Tread Depth Below 2/32 InchTires and wheels

Source references: 49 CFR 393.100 and FMCSA roadside inspection data. This guide is general information and does not guarantee a DataQs outcome or replace legal advice.