Carrier Risk Check
Enter a USDOT number to run an instant risk assessment across 6 dimensions: authority status, insurance coverage, inspection history, crash records, prior revocations, and risk indicators. Results display inline — no page navigation required.
Example: Enter 53467 for Werner Enterprises Inc
How to evaluate carrier risk
Carrier risk assessment is the process of evaluating a motor carrier's likelihood of causing a safety incident, defaulting on service, or operating without proper authority or insurance. For freight brokers and shippers, this assessment is not optional — tendering loads to unvetted carriers exposes the organization to cargo loss, liability claims, and regulatory penalties.
Truck Graph's risk score evaluates 6 weighted dimensions. The out-of-service (OOS) rate measures what percentage of a carrier's roadside inspections resulted in a vehicle or driver being placed out of service — the national average is 21.4% for vehicles and 6.5% for drivers. Carriers with OOS rates significantly above these thresholds indicate systemic maintenance or compliance failures.
Crash history counts reportable incidents (those involving a fatality, injury requiring medical treatment, or a towed vehicle). While crashes alone don't prove fault, a pattern of multiple crashes — especially those involving fatalities — is a significant risk signal. The FMCSA's Crash Indicator BASIC uses a similar methodology with time-weighting and peer-group comparison.
Insurance coverage verification confirms the carrier maintains the FMCSA-required minimum: $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for hazmat, or $5,000,000 for household goods. A carrier without active insurance on file cannot legally operate. The authority status check confirms the carrier's operating authority has not been revoked, suspended, or allowed to lapse.
Prior revocations indicate the carrier has had operating authority revoked at least once — this is a strong predictor of chameleon carrier behavior, where an operator shuts down a flagged entity and reapplies under a new name. Truck Graph's risk screening flags carriers matching known chameleon patterns. For full methodology details, see our data methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
How is the carrier risk score calculated?
Truck Graph's composite risk score evaluates 6 factors: out-of-service rate from roadside inspections, crash history and fatalities, insurance coverage status, prior authority revocations, risk indicators (chameleon carrier indicators), and current authority status. Each factor is weighted by severity.
What does a 'Critical' risk level mean?
A Critical risk level (score 60+) indicates multiple severe risk factors: high OOS rates, fatal crashes, insurance lapses, or prior revocations. Carriers at this level warrant immediate additional vetting before tendering any freight.
Is the risk check free?
Yes. Truck Graph's carrier risk check is completely free with no account required. We provide this tool to improve freight safety by making carrier vetting accessible to all shippers, brokers, and logistics professionals.
How often is risk data updated?
Inspection, crash, and insurance data syncs every 4 hours from verified compliance records. Authority status changes are reflected within the same cycle. The risk score recalculates on each lookup using the latest available data.
What should I do if a carrier has a high risk score?
A high risk score doesn't necessarily mean the carrier should be rejected, but it does warrant additional due diligence. Review the specific risk factors, request proof of insurance directly, check references, and consider the age and context of any violations or crashes.
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Truck Graph data is open and citable. For press inquiries, contact our editorial team.