WASHINGTON (AP) — Preliminary data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicates a notable rise in large truck crashes involving companies that entered the industry since 2018. This trend was highlighted during the FMCSA’s annual Analysis, Research, and Technology Forum by statistician Dan Burrill.
The addendum focused on the surge in new common-carrier registrations both before and during the pandemic. FMCSA data reveals that new motor carrier registrations averaged 17,000 per month in 2021, a significant jump from 8,500 in 2019. Notably, most of this increase came from new entrants operating only a single power unit.
Burrill’s analysis of crash data from carriers that started in 2018 shows a troubling trend. Initially, these new carriers experienced a relatively low crash rate. However, as time progressed, the frequency of crashes increased. For instance, new entrants in 2018 were responsible for about 1.3% of all large truck crashes. By 2021, this rate had climbed to approximately 3.5%.
FMCSA plans further analysis to compare new carriers with established ones to better understand safety performance. Although new registrations have decreased from the 2021 peak, they still significantly surpass pre-COVID levels.
The forum also introduced Level 8 inspections, which use electronic data collection at highway speeds, minimizing direct interactions. FMCSA Transportation Specialist Tom Kelly explained that these inspections aim to enhance data collection on carriers, vehicles, and drivers, including real-time checks of CDL status and hours-of-service compliance.
Kelly estimates that Level 8 inspections could increase oversight of the expanding truck fleet by up to tenfold. Additionally, the FMCSA is developing a model safety plan for carriers utilizing automated driving systems, further enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
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