How to check a carrier on FMCSA SAFER
SAFER is FMCSA’s free public lookup for every registered carrier. Buyers, brokers and insurers all use it. Here’s how to read a carrier snapshot in five minutes.
Step 1: Look up the carrier
Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and choose Company Snapshot. Search by USDOT number, MC number or company name. The USDOT number is the most reliable.
Step 2: Check the basics
- Entity type: should say Carrier.
- USDOT status: should be Active.
- Operating authority status: should say Authorized for Property. “Not Authorized” means the authority isn’t active.
- Legal name and address: these should match the seller’s documents.
- MCS-150 date: should be within the last 24 months.
- Operation classification: Authorized for Hire, and Interstate under carrier operation.
Step 3: Read inspections and out-of-service rates
The snapshot shows US inspections for the last 24 months, split into vehicle, driver and hazmat. Next to each is the out-of-service rate, and the national average for comparison.
- Below the national average is good.
- Above it is a warning sign for brokers and insurers.
- No inspections isn’t bad, but it gives buyers less to judge.
Step 4: Crashes and safety rating
Crashes for the last 24 months are broken into fatal, injury and tow-away. The safety rating appears below that. Most small carriers are Not Rated, which is normal. See safety ratings explained.
Step 5: Check insurance on L&I
From the snapshot, follow the link to the Licensing & Insurance (L&I) page for that carrier. Check the active insurance filings, and look at insurance history for cancellations. Gaps between policies are a red flag for buyers and brokers.
Step 6: Dig deeper on SMS
FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) shows violation details and BASIC percentiles. Brokers and Amazon Relay look at these. Some percentiles are only visible to the carrier itself.
Every MCDOT Sales listing summarizes these numbers. After an NDA, you get the USDOT number to verify them yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Is FMCSA SAFER free?
Yes. Anyone can look up a carrier’s snapshot on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov at no cost.
What does “Not Authorized” mean on SAFER?
The carrier’s operating authority isn’t active, often because insurance or the process agent filing lapsed, or the authority was revoked. It can’t legally haul interstate for-hire freight until that’s fixed.
What is a good out-of-service rate?
Anything below the national average shown on the snapshot. Lower is better.
Next step
Compare real listings with inspection data already summarized.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Have your own attorney review any purchase agreement.