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Carrier Risk
Assessments
Many shippers and brokers think that by using a third-party motor carrier, they're not liable for that carrier's vehicle accidents or violations. But it's not true. Through "vicarious liability," if your company hires a third-party, it's liable and responsible for knowing the status of their motor carrier fitness prior to hiring them. This service provides an expert DOT consultant who will analyze all available DOT data of your potential third-party carriers and deliver a risk assessment of each so you can make the safest choice possible.
Carrier Risk Review
Identify your vulnerabilities before they become violations.
A Carrier Risk Review is a targeted assessment of your operation's highest-risk compliance areas. Unlike a full audit, this focused review zeroes in on the specific factors most likely to trigger an FMCSA intervention — giving you a clear picture of where you're exposed and what to fix first.
What's Included:
Our expert DOT consultant will pull and analyze all publicly available FMCSA data on each of your potential third-party carriers — including SMS scores, crash history, roadside inspection records, out-of-service rates, BASIC category percentiles, and operating authority status. You will receive a written risk assessment report for each carrier reviewed along with our expert recommendation on whether to hire or avoid them.
Carriers Will Be Assessed For:
- Valid US DOT / MC #
- Proper Federal / State / Provincial Operating Authority
- ACORD Form / MCS 90 (Certificate of Insurance Coverage)
- Satisfactory FMCSA Safety Rating
- Inspection Selection System (ISS) Scores below 50
FMCSA BASIC Scores:
- Unsafe Driving — equal or lower than 65% (60% if HazMat)
- Fatigued Driving — equal or lower than 65% (60% if HazMat)
- Crash Indicator — equal or lower than 65% (60% if HazMat)
- Driver Fitness — equal or lower than 80% (75% if HazMat)
- Drugs / Alcohol — equal or lower than 80% (75% if HazMat)
- Vehicle Maintenance — equal or lower than 80% (75% if HazMat)
Who This Is For:
Shippers, brokers, and freight companies who hire third-party motor carriers and need to verify carrier fitness to protect against vicarious liability.
Not Sure Which Service You Need?
Call us and we'll walk you through your options. Most clients start with a compliance audit so we know exactly where you stand.
Is Your Operation Truly Compliant?
Find Out Before the FMCSA Does.
Complete the form below and a Texas Lone Star DOT compliance specialist will reach out to you within 24–48 business hours to discuss your needs.