The Top 10 Most Dangerous & Accident Prone Trucking Companies

Mammoth freight carriers are the lifeblood of U.S. commerce, ferrying an overwhelming majority of goods across the nation’s vast infrastructure. However, when corporate avarice supersedes operational prudence, these colossal vehicles morph into lethal hazards. A disturbing pattern emerges among the top ten most dangerous trucking companies for their alarming safety infractions, placing them among the most perilous trucking entities in the country.

At Tennessee Accident Law, our legal specialists scrutinize these high-risk trucking enterprises to elucidate the dangers they pose. By understanding which carriers exhibit egregiously high accident rates, motorists can remain vigilant and mitigate potential hazards on the road. Should you or a loved one fall victim to one of these corporate behemoths, legal recourse may be available to secure just compensation. Contact us today at 615-2212-9866 for expert legal counsel.

The 10 Most Perilous Trucking Corporations in America – A Crucial Roadway Awareness Guide

1. FedEx – A Logistics Powerhouse with an Alarming Safety Record

FedEx reigns as a logistics titan, boasting a formidable workforce of over 160,000 drivers and a fleet surpassing 100,000 vehicles. Yet, its prodigious scale correlates with a distressing accident record. Between mid-2020 and mid-2022, FedEx amassed:

1,160 total collisions
109 fatal crashes (80 stemming from FedEx Ground operations)
911 incidents resulting in injuries

This grim tally underscores FedEx’s propensity for hazardous roadway incidents, securing its place atop the list of America’s most dangerous trucking companies.

2. UPS – The Nation’s Largest Freight Carrier with a Dubious Reputation

UPS commands a staggering 134,000-strong fleet with 127,000 drivers behind the wheel. While its logistical supremacy is unquestioned, its accident ledger raises serious concerns:

1,082 crashes between April 2020 and April 2022
74 fatal accidents – ranking second nationwide
1,053 injury-related crashes

Given its relentless accident frequency, UPS emerges as a critical contender in the list of hazardous trucking conglomerates, necessitating urgent safety overhauls.

3. Averitt Express – A Smaller Player with a High Fatality Index

Despite its comparatively modest scale, Tennessee-based Averitt Express harbors an unsettling fatal crash rate. From April 2020 to April 2022, it recorded:

Fatality rate of 0.022 per million miles traveled

This sobering statistic propels Averitt Express into the ranks of America’s most precarious trucking companies.

4. U.S. Xpress – A Frequent Offender on the Roadways

With a fleet of 7,000 trucks, Tennessee-headquartered U.S. Xpress has garnered a troubling safety track record. Between 2020 and 2022, it reported:

20 fatal accidents
An injury crash rate of 0.173 per million miles

This consistent stream of accidents solidifies U.S. Xpress’s dubious standing as one of the nation’s most hazardous trucking firms.

5. XPO Logistics Freight – A Carrier Plagued by Safety Infractions

Operating with a formidable workforce of 11,000 drivers, XPO Logistics has been flagged for safety lapses, particularly concerning hazardous material transport. From 2020 to 2022, the company logged:

21 fatal accidents
181 injury-related crashes

Frequent regulatory violations further cement XPO’s reputation as a perilous freight hauler.

6. J.B. Hunt Transport – High Incidence of Roadway Disasters

As a freight powerhouse employing 25,700 drivers and managing 22,500 vehicles, J.B. Hunt Transport’s track record is troubling. Between June 2020 and June 2022, it amassed:

543 crashes
50 fatal wrecks
An injury accident rate of 0.184 per million miles

J.B. Hunt’s recurrent safety failures necessitate immediate intervention.

7. Swift Transportation – A Repeat Offender with Frequent Safety Breaches

Swift Transportation’s massive fleet of 16,000 vehicles and 15,000 drivers contributes to a disturbing history of infractions:

15% of its trucks have safety violations
289 accidents over two years
28 fatalities

Its chronic non-compliance with safety standards earns Swift Transportation an unequivocal spot among America’s most hazardous trucking corporations.

8. Werner Enterprises – A Troubling Legacy of Traffic Incidents

While Werner Enterprises boasts a longstanding presence in the trucking sector, its safety record leaves much to be desired. From 2020 to 2022, it reported:

271 crashes
16 fatalities

Such grim statistics underscore Werner’s imperative need for stringent regulatory adherence.

9. Estes Express Lines – A Fatality-Prone Freight Carrier

Employing 8,000 drivers, Estes Express Lines shoulders a significant role in national commerce. However, from 2020 to 2022, its safety record reflected dire deficiencies:

163 accidents
15 fatal crashes

This stark mortality rate signals an urgent need for enhanced safety protocols.

10. Schneider National Carriers – A Company Struggling with Collision Frequency

Housing over 12,500 drivers, Schneider National Carriers has faced persistent challenges maintaining a safe operational record. Recent reports indicate:

200 crashes
20 fatal accidents

Such persistent safety concerns highlight Schneider’s status among America’s riskiest trucking firms.

The Inherent Perils of Commercial Trucking

The scale and mass of these juggernauts render them formidable hazards in traffic mishaps. Key contributing factors include:

Driver fatigue: Extended shifts without adequate rest dramatically elevate crash likelihood.
Distracted driving: Long-haul drivers may succumb to mobile device usage, diverting critical focus from the road.
Aggressive driving: Rigid delivery deadlines often coerce drivers into reckless maneuvers.

Despite stringent federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), compliance remains woefully inconsistent among these high-risk operators.

Mitigating Risk – How to Safeguard Yourself Around Freight Carriers

To reduce exposure to catastrophic trucking incidents, motorists should observe the following precautions:

Maintain ample distance: Large trucks have significant blind spots and require greater braking distances.
Refrain from abrupt lane changes: Trucks necessitate considerable room to execute safe maneuvers.
Remain informed: Awareness of high-risk carriers allows for greater vigilance on the road.

Legal Advocacy for Truck Accident Victims

The aftermath of a commercial truck accident can be life-altering, spanning from debilitating injuries to overwhelming financial burdens. If you or a loved one have been affected, legal representation is crucial. A seasoned truck accident attorney can:

Illuminate your legal rights: Understanding your options is vital to pursuing justice.
Pursue maximum compensation: Recover damages for medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

How Tennessee Accident Law Can Help You After a Truck Accident

At Tennessee Accident Law, a United States truck accident lawyer is committed to holding negligent trucking corporations accountable. Contact us now at 615-212-9866 for a comprehensive case evaluation and aggressive legal advocacy.