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

Run away from that company.

High numbers across mulitple categories suggest systematic problems throughout the company. It is less likely that you can work there and maintain a clean csa -- which will make it harder to move on to better companies. It will also mean more attention from the law enforcement.

On a very small company, it could all be from 1 incident from 1 driver (e.g. driver with drugs in system is running illegal logs, speeding, on bald tires that company would gladly have replaced if they had been told), but usually it'll be an indication of an outlaw outfit not adjusting to the times...

A single high category is less of a concern. High drug/alcohol scores, for example, aren't something that would concern me (one or two bad apples can really skew the score over a short term). Likewise unsafe driving wouldn't stop me from picking a company, though it may indicate pressure to run harder than legal (especially if combined with HOS issues).

Vehicle maintenaince does concern me -- especially if you will be doing a lot of drop and.hooks... It does seem to correlate with how well the equipment is kept. If a small company had a high vehicle maintenance score but I would be driving the same equipment all the time, I'd only be concerned with whether they are reluctant to pay to fix issues. Again one or two lazy drivers can really screw up a small company's score.

 

Look at the violations...that tells the story.

 

What this company has done is made themselves a target for dot. Both the drivers are to blame as well as the company for not addressing it and letting it get that bad in the first place. I would steer clear unless you want to be on a first name basis with dot.

 

you might as well name the company
others here will have first hand exp

 

I say yes - it's a close reflection.

Having witnessed the driving habits of said company, it doesn't surprise me.

It's an interesting debate - we've all gotten BS tickets . . .

 

Run far away from this company.Scores tell a lot and relects you and your cdl.Not worth it.Drivers are partly to blame because they knowing drive unsafe and don't say anything.In this industry money is first and safety is when they find timeThose are hgh percentages you gave.With bad scores like this,why are you considering them?