1. Scope of Public FMCSA Data
The FMCSA maintains several public data repositories designed to promote transparency and accountability in commercial transportation. These databases include the Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system, the Licensing & Insurance (L&I) database, and the QCMobile API.
2. Publicly Accessible Data Fields
Anyone researching a carrier can inspect the following public data points:
- Entity Identity: Legal entity name, DBA name, USDOT number, MC/MX/FF number, physical address, mailing address, contact phone, officer name.
- Operations: Operation classification (Interstate/Intrastate), entity type (Carrier/Broker), cargo categories carried.
- Fleet: Number of power units, registered drivers, mileage reported on MCS-150 form.
- Safety: Formal safety rating (Satisfactory, Conditional, Unsatisfactory, or Not Rated), inspection totals, OOS rates, 24-month crash counts (fatalities, injuries, towaways).
- Insurance: Primary BIPD liability policies, cargo policies, bond filings, and underwriting insurance company names.