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Our Risk & Vetting Methodology​

Data tells the real story. Instead of relying on subjective user reviews—which are often biased or outdated—we take a fully data-driven approach.

Our system evaluates motor carriers based on a wide range of risk factors and compares them objectively within their peer groups. Carriers with fewer risk factors are assigned a lower risk percentile, while those with more receive a higher one.

The process is simple and transparent. Every risk factor identified by our system is clearly listed on each carrier’s profile.

Risk Percentiles​

Risk percentiles are an excellent way to quickly compare carriers against one another. The risk percentile is the percentage of similar-sized, active interstate carriers that have fewer risk factors. Note that some risk factors carry more weight than others.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the risk categories:

  • Low Risk (0-60%) | The 60% of carriers with the fewest risk factors.
  • Elevated Risk (61-80%) | The next 20% of carriers, with more risk factors than the Low Risk group but fewer than the High Risk group.
  • High Risk (81-100%) | The top 20% of carriers with the most risk factors within their peer group.
Using Risk Percentiles

"Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater." Even within the high-risk group, there are some great carriers. However, additional caution and a deeper evaluation are strongly recommended.

Risk Factors​

Our system automatically looks for Risk Factors across all Motor Carriers. Risk factors include: company history, recent data changes, shared info & related companies, recent inspections and crashes, FMCSA safety ratings and operating authority changes.

Many risk factors decay and become less impactful over time, similar to how the FMCSA calcualtes SMS percentiles. Violations have a stronger weight when they occured more recently, and become less impactful over time. The impact falls off entirely after 2 years.

Peer Groups​

There are major operational differences between an owner-operator, a mid-sized carrier, and a larger carrier. To account for this and ensure risk percentiles are meaningful, carriers are only compared against other active interstate motor carriers within their peer group.

Peer Groups are based on total power units (the carriers' reported number of power units with the FMCSA). Here's a breakdown of the peer groups:

  • 0 to 1 Power Units
  • 2 to 4 Power Units
  • 5 to 10 Power Units
  • 11 to 20 Power Units
  • 21 or more Power Units

How long does it take for FMCSA changes to be reflected on your site?​

Authority changes are updated daily. Other information, such as FMCSA contact information changes typically take less than 2 weeks to be reflected on our site. If a change is taking longer or you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us so we can address any issues ([email protected])