When choosing a company how important is it to consider the FMCSA scores?

Looking at their recent crash history, I see a surprising number of single-vehicle accidents in dry/clear conditions. Combined with increasing HOS scores (which are mostly for driving beyond 14-hour limit), I'd say it is likely their drivers are being pushed too hard.

Recent vehicle maintenance violations have blame spread evenly between co & driver. Lots of cargo securement violations, lots of lighting too (driver). But a surprising number of violations for things like no/improper reflective tape on trailers -- things that shouldn't be widespread without company negligence...

http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMS/Data/BASICs.aspx?enc=yvfpVtex8xcVOHYUltDlZw==

 

Remember,

spending a week or even a year on a message board,

should only ad up to 10-15% of your research !!!



Driver referral money makes alot of company drivers tell little tales........

 

Personally, I'd also place a lot of value on the company's Dunn & Bradstreet score, perhaps more.

A company's FMCSA score IMO does not provide a true indicator of a company's "safety" rating. It may only mean they have a lot to learn in hiring qualified drivers or had a "bad luck streak".

 

I don't know anything about that company.. But, I went with a small company that had a bad score and figured it was just one or two bad drivers and not so much a reflection on the company... Well, I am no longer with them and I am very very glad I got out with my CDL unmarked and intact...
The equiptment was terrible, the alignment of my truck was horrible and unsafe.. if I released the constant left hand tug on the wheel I would veer right over into the right lane as if I was making a fast lane change, the tires were scary.. and I won't bore you with the rest.. We were on paper logs, Loose leaf at that, Had to spend a lot of time backing up my logs, running around scales.. even though we had to run around scales because my truck nor any of the trailers would pass an inspection.. we only got paid practical miles.. not paid for all the miles going around the scales...
It was stressful and scary and I am so glad I am away from that company and with a company that is the total opposite...

if I were you I would avoid that company.. there are good companies out there where you don't have to risk marking up your CDL or put your life in danger... and, life on the road is difficult when under that kind of stress and frustration..

 

Generally I'd agree, but in this case:



...there is a convincing trend going back the last 2 years.

 

If you're smart which you sound like you are,you'll look elsewhere.I drove for a company like this and now I always look up the safety score and their website at what their equipment looks like and how impressive their website is.

 

We have a incredibly bad CSA score where i work

Its tragic...

but fortunately the DOT sees you as an individual regardless of who you drive for.

You personal CSA score is what important...not the companies

 

I take it you have a good csa score?and you're right,thats what's important.

 

..………….....…………………CR England…CRST….UPS….WatShep


Unsafe driving…………..………86.3………84.8…...6.9…..…81.3


Hours of Service…….………….12.8………22.6…..11.4…….64.7


Driver Fitness………..………….45.8………51.1…..20.4…….28.0


Controlled Substances…………40.8………36.7……0.0…….38.0


Vehicle Maintenance…………..45.9………37.3…...17.3……73.6


Watkin Shepard’s only decent score is driver fitness. They are blowing the doors off of the others on Hours of Service and Vehicle Maintenance.