For years, many logistics brokers and shippers have trusted one phrase to mean “no problem here”:
“The carrier has a Satisfactory rating.”
But 2025 has made one thing clear: that line of thinking could be dangerously outdated.
In one recent crash that resulted in multiple fatalities, the trucking company at the center of the collision had a Satisfactory FMCSA rating.
This case became the perfect example of why relying on DOT FMCSA safety designations such as Satisfactory, Conditional, and Unrated can give brokers and shippers a false sense of security that collapses when it matters most.
1. FMCSA "Satisfactory" is not a safety guarantee; it’s a snapshot in time
A “Satisfactory” rating doesn’t mean a carrier is currently safe to use.
It means that at the time of their last compliance review, the FMCSA determined that their paperwork appeared acceptable.
That review could’ve happened years ago. And in the meantime, the carrier’s performance, drivers, or insurance could have changed completely.
It’s why we continue to see cases of “Satisfactory” carriers involved in major crashes or violations: that label reflects past compliance, not present behavior.
2. More than 80% of trucking companies are unrated - and that’s a problem
Over 80% of all active carriers in the U.S. are currently unrated. That means no review, no verified data, and no FMCSA validation of their safety record.
Unrated doesn’t mean unsafe, but it doesn’t mean safe either; it means no one’s looked yet. Some are small, well-run carriers flying under the radar. Others are ticking time bombs waiting for their first audit.
Without digging deeper into inspection and performance data, brokers have no way to tell which is which.
3. Conditional carriers are a legal nightmare.
A “Conditional” label could be a red flag with legal implications. Our CEO, Cassandra Gaines, a transportation attorney with years of courtroom experience, put it bluntly:
“If you hire a Conditional carrier and something happens, I can’t defend you in court.”
That’s the harsh truth. Once a carrier has been officially rated as Conditional, it means the FMCSA has already found serious issues — issues that would be hard to justify ignoring if the carrier were to be involved in an accident.
And it’s not just about lawsuits. Many shipper–broker contracts explicitly forbid the use of Conditional or Unsatisfactory carriers.
Hiring one for a long-haul load could void agreements, insurance coverage, or worse - your reputation.
4. The FMCSA can’t police everyone - and that’s why brokers must
The FMCSA oversees more than 750,000 active carriers, including trucks, buses, and smaller DOT numbers. With limited investigators and a finite budget, it’s impossible for them to monitor safety performance across the industry continuously.
That’s why the “it’s FMCSA’s job to ensure safety” argument could be dangerously outdated.
Courts have already recognized brokers and shippers as part of the “safety chain.”
In other words... If you ignore the warning signs, the liability can land squarely on you. You’re the last line of defense before the load hits the road.”
5. Carrier Vetting is evidence.
In 2025, your carrier vetting process is potential evidence in court and a reflection of your operational integrity. If something goes wrong, you’ll be asked to show how you vetted a trucking company and how you documented and escalated safety concerns.
The most advanced carrier compliance teams are already adapting:
- They verify insurance directly with brokers, especially for high-value or hazmat loads.
- They document every exception and require senior approval for borderline carriers.
- They track changes in carrier safety data over time, not just at onboarding.
If you can’t prove how you vetted a carrier, you own it when something goes bad.
6. Culture shift: from “check the box” to “prove the process”
Old-school thinking said: “Don’t look too deep, that’s the FMCSA’s job.”
Modern compliance says: “If we didn’t look, it’s our fault.”
That cultural shift - from compliance as a formality to compliance as accountability —is what separates resilient logistics teams from risky ones.
So, What’s The Takeaway?
Carrier safety ratings were never meant to tell the whole story.
“Unrated” carrier doesn’t mean safe, it means unchecked.
“Conditional” carrier doesn’t mean improving, it means at risk.
And “Satisfactory” carrier? It only means “fine… for now.”
The FMCSA system wasn’t built to keep pace with modern freight logistics. That’s why proactive brokers are looking beyond the label, into data, patterns, and accountability.
Did you find this information valuable?
There’s a lot more where this came from.
You can hear these insights directly from Carrier Assure’s CEO, Cassandra Gaines, in her complete discussion on carrier safety and FMCSA risks.
