How TransportTrace Verifies Transportation Entities
TransportTrace operates on a foundation of 100% factual regulatory records. We query official U.S. government databases and present objective compliance data without algorithmic bias or subjective scoring.
Our Official Government Data Sources
FMCSA SAFER System
The Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system provides company safety profiles, census snapshots, roadside inspection data, crash incidents, and safety fitness ratings.
Visit SAFER PortalFMCSA Licensing & Insurance (L&I)
Official federal database tracking operating authority grants (Common, Contract, Property Broker), insurance policies (Form BMC-91/91X), and broker surety bonds (Form BMC-84/85).
Visit L&I DatabaseCritical Regulatory Distinctions We Enforce
1Motor Carrier vs. Property Broker Distinction
Property brokers arrange transportation on behalf of shippers but do not operate commercial commercial motor vehicles. We evaluate brokers under Property Broker rules: verifying their mandatory $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond rather than penalizing them for reporting 0 power units or 0 roadside inspections.
2USDOT Safety Registration vs. Operating Authority
Having a USDOT safety number is not equivalent to having for-hire operating authority. Private carriers and intrastate operators hold USDOT numbers but cannot legally haul for-hire freight across state lines without active FMCSA authority on file.
3Form BMC-91X vs. Form BMC-84 Requirements
Motor carriers hauling general freight must maintain at least $750,000 in public liability (BMC-91X), with auto-transporters and hazmat carriers requiring $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. Property brokers are required by federal law (49 U.S.C. 13906) to maintain a $75,000 trust or surety bond (BMC-84/BMC-85).
Why TransportTrace Does Not Use "Scores" or "Badges"
Proprietary algorithmic scores and arbitrary letter grades can mislead shippers and logistics professionals. A small 2-truck carrier with zero inspections is not inherently unsafe, and a 5,000-truck enterprise fleet will naturally have more recorded inspections. TransportTrace presents the raw, audited regulatory metrics so you can make informed, data-driven partner decisions.