Roadside inspections give a clear snapshot of how commercial trucks are performing across the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) tracks vehicle and driver inspections, out‑of‑service orders, and reportable crashes to help enforcement agencies focus on carriers that may need extra attention.
Methodology
The analysis, conducted by THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, examined FMCSA carrier records for three interstate carriers that each operate more than 500 power units and had at least 400 vehicle inspections in the past 24 months. The carriers’ out‑of‑service rates were compared to the FMCSA national average of 22.26%.
North American Van Lines
Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, North American Van Lines reported 1,333 power units and 1,357 drivers. Of 485 vehicle inspections, 152 resulted in out‑of‑service orders, yielding a 31.3% vehicle out‑of‑service rate—9 percentage points above the national average. Driver out‑of‑service incidents were lower, at 3.9% of 883 driver inspections, compared with the 6.67% national average. The carrier logged 34 reportable crashes, including two fatal crashes, during the 24‑month period, and retained a satisfactory federal safety rating as of the July 25, 2026 snapshot.
Transco Lines
Transco Lines, headquartered in Russellville, Arkansas, operates 565 power units and 655 drivers. Inspectors placed 199 of 671 inspected vehicles out of service, resulting in a 29.7% vehicle out‑of‑service rate. Driver out‑of‑service findings were minimal, at 1% of 1,343 driver inspections. The carrier was involved in 56 reportable crashes, one of which was fatal, and also held a satisfactory safety rating in the July 19, 2026 snapshot.
Atlas Van Lines
Atlas Van Lines, with its headquarters in Evansville, Indiana, reported the largest fleet—2,731 power units. Of 879 vehicle inspections, 212 led to out‑of‑service orders, giving a 24.1% vehicle out‑of‑service rate, closer to the national average. Driver out‑of‑service incidents were 4.3% of 1,634 driver inspections. The carrier recorded 61 reportable crashes, none fatal, and maintained a satisfactory safety rating after a 2024 compliance review.
Understanding the numbers
Out‑of‑service rates provide a standardized way to compare inspection outcomes, but they do not reflect every vehicle in a carrier’s fleet. Inspection frequency can vary, and agencies may focus on particular carriers or locations. Crash counts add context but do not assign fault or indicate how many miles each carrier traveled.
All three carriers remain authorized to operate and retain satisfactory federal safety ratings. FMCSA cautions that these performance indicators are not substitutes for formal safety ratings or a comprehensive assessment of a company’s safety practices.
The highways mentioned—Interstate 69 in Indiana and Interstate 40 in Arkansas—are major freight corridors near each carrier’s registered headquarters, but they are not verified as the primary routes used by the companies.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
