Trucking companies see a lot of unfortunate events each year, with FedEx and UPS consistently topping the list with the highest number of accidents among trucking companies in the United States. This is because their massive logistics reach entails more vehicles and drivers, making them statistically more likely to see these types of situations, both on the floor or on the road.
Whether you’re a trucking company, a truck driver, or anybody who has been involved in a trucking accident, it’s best to reach out to a South Carolina truck accident lawyer from Strom Law to ensure that you’re properly compensated for any damages and defended from unjust treatment from liable parties.
Companies With the Most Trucking Accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) Safety Measurement System (SMS), FedEx and UPS are the companies with the most trucking accidents as of 2022. This isn’t to say that they’re the most dangerous; a larger fleet simply entails a higher risk of casualties. Other companies with a smaller number of vehicles may see a high number of accidents (i.e. have a higher accident rate), so it’s important to decipher these numbers relative to relevant data.
Here’s a quick look into the companies with the most trucking accidents in the US:
Across its network (FedEx Ground, FedEx Express, and FedEx Express), FedEx has more than 155,000 vehicles and 183,000 drivers. FedEx Ground has recorded about 2,781 total accidents and 3,850 total unsafe driving violations; FedEx Freight has clocked in 843 total accidents and 577 total unsafe driving violations; FedEx Express has reported 380 total accidents and 203 total unsafe driving violations.
UPS
UPS has about 134,000 vehicles operated by more than 127,000 drivers and has recorded about 2,845 total accidents and 2,682 total unsafe driving violations.
J.B. Hunt
J.B. Hunt Transport only has about 24,000 vehicles and almost 27,000 drivers, but it has seen more than 1,800 total accidents and more than 3,000 total unsafe driving violations.
Knight-Swift
Knight-Swift’s fleet (encompassing Knight Transportation, Swift Transportation, AAA Cooper Transportation, Knight Refrigerated, and Midwest Motor Express) is made up of more than 23,000 vehicles and around the same number of drivers, with 1,538 total accidents and 2,553 total unsafe driving violations clocked in.
Landstar System
Landstar System manages almost 12,000 vehicles and around 11,200 drivers. Across Landstar Ranger Inc., Landstar Inway Inc., and Landstar Express America, they’ve reported about 785 total accidents and 1,795 total unsafe driving violations.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents aren’t always the driver’s fault–they can be caused by several factors and events. Here are some of the most common causes of trucking accidents:
Unqualified Drivers
Truck drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which signals that they have the knowledge, experience, skills, and ability to drive this type of large vehicle. Unfortunately, some companies hire drivers without this certification or who don’t have enough training to operate trucks, which causes a lot of accidents.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Sometimes, the trucks themselves come with their own problems, whether by fault of poor ongoing maintenance or because of manufacturer’s defects. Trucking companies must always ensure that their fleet is suited to complete the job, which also involves hiring qualified mechanics who can solve and anticipate potential issues.
Inadequate Safety Policies
Trucking companies should have policies and regulations in place to safeguard their drivers, other workers, and people who may encounter their staff on the job. These rules should comply with what’s dictated by state and federal restrictions.
Improper Vehicle Use
Trucks come with their own limits, and when these are ignored, especially when it comes to the amount of load they can carry, it could become very risky to bring on the road.
Liability in Trucking Accidents
What happens when a truck driver has an accident? In these events, it’s easy to point the blame to the driver. But liability can be on many other potential parties, including:
- Drivers
- Truck companies
- Truck manufacturers (including parts manufacturers)
- Loaders and shippers
- Contractors
- Government agencies
- Third-party agencies
It’s crucial to determine who’s at fault in a trucking accident to explore the proper options for the case you’re involved in.
Navigate Trucking Accidents With Strom Law
Trucking accidents can be challenging to navigate, so it’s best to have a truck accident attorney behind you to help you understand your rights and how much damages may be owed to you, if any. If you’ve been in a trucking accident, get in touch with an experienced truck accident lawyer from Strom Law today!
