94% of carriers lack safety rating
FreightWaves notes 94% of motor carriers lack an FMCSA safety rating, raising questions about broker liability.
The lack of an FMCSA safety rating doesn't automatically mean a carrier is unsafe, but it does mean there's less data available for brokers to assess risk. This situation arises because the FMCSA prioritizes safety audits based on factors like crash rates and violations, meaning many carriers operate without ever receiving a formal rating. Brokers face potential liability for negligent selection of carriers, making it crucial to have a robust vetting process beyond just checking for a satisfactory safety rating. They must document their due diligence in evaluating carriers, considering factors like insurance, operating history, and safety performance. Some brokers use third-party services to help assess carrier safety, gathering data from various sources to create a more comprehensive risk profile. This is especially important given the limited number of carriers with official FMCSA safety ratings.
