James Frazier | | Truck Accident
Commercial trucks are vital to the American economy, transporting over 70% of all goods across the country. However, these massive vehicles come with inherent dangers. When companies put profits ahead of safety, accidents involving large trucks become increasingly likely. Unfortunately, some of the most dangerous trucking companies in the U.S. include some of the biggest names in the industry.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Trucking Companies in the U.S. – Essential Insights for Road Safety

Commercial trucks are vital to the American economy, transporting over 70% of all goods across the country. However, these massive vehicles come with inherent dangers. When companies put profits ahead of safety, accidents involving large trucks become increasingly likely. Unfortunately, some of the most dangerous trucking companies in the U.S. include some of the biggest names in the industry.

The truck accident attorneys at Paul | Knopf | Bigger provide insights into the most dangerous trucking companies in the country. Knowing which companies have higher accident rates can help you stay vigilant and cautious on the road. If you or someone you know has been injured by one of these companies, you may be eligible for compensation. Call us now at (800) 434-4327.

FedEx is one of the largest logistics companies in the U.S., with over 160,000 drivers and a fleet exceeding 100,000 vehicles. Unfortunately, FedEx’s size also contributes to its place among the most dangerous trucking companies in the nation. Between mid-2020 and mid-2022, FedEx reported:

1. FedEx – Leading the List of Most Dangerous Trucking Companies

FedEx is one of the largest logistics companies in the U.S., with over 160,000 drivers and a fleet exceeding 100,000 vehicles. Unfortunately, FedEx’s size also contributes to its place among the most dangerous trucking companies in the nation. Between mid-2020 and mid-2022, FedEx reported:

  • 1,160 total crashes
  • 109 fatal crashes (80 of which were from FedEx Ground)
  • 911 injury-related accidents

This troubling record highlights FedEx’s risk to other drivers and pedestrians on the road, making it a prominent entry on the list of the most dangerous trucking companies.

2. UPS – America’s Largest Trucking Company with a Risky Reputation

UPS, the largest trucking company in the U.S., operates 134,000 vehicles and employs 127,000 drivers. Its accident record is concerning:

  • 1,082 crashes from April 2020 to April 2022
  • 74 fatal crashes, the second-highest nationwide
  • 1,053 injury accidents

The high accident rate makes UPS one of the most dangerous trucking companies in America, reflecting a significant need for improved safety measures.

3. Averitt Express – High Fatal Accident Rate

Averitt Express, based in Tennessee, may not be as large as some industry giants, but it has one of the highest fatal accident rates, placing it among the most dangerous trucking companies in the U.S. From April 2020 to April 2022, Averitt reported:

  • Fatal accident rate of 0.022 per million miles traveled

This high rate places Averitt Express in a troubling position on the list of the most dangerous trucking companies in the country.

4. U.S. Xpress – A Tennessee-Based Company with High Accident Rates

With a fleet of 7,000 trucks, U.S. Xpress, headquartered in Tennessee, is another company frequently appearing on lists of the most dangerous trucking companies. From 2020 to 2022, U.S. Xpress reported:

  • 20 fatal crashes
  • Injury accident rate of 0.173 per million miles

The frequent incidents involving U.S. Xpress trucks highlight its reputation as one of the most dangerous trucking companies.

5. XPO Logistics Freight – Safety Concerns with Hazardous Materials

XPO Logistics operates with over 11,000 drivers and has been cited for safety issues, especially with hazardous materials. This has earned XPO a spot among the most dangerous trucking companies. Between 2020 and 2022, XPO Logistics recorded:

  • 21 fatal accidents
  • 181 injury crashes

The company’s high rate of out-of-service (OOS) flags also raises questions about its commitment to safety, solidifying its place on the list of most dangerous trucking companies.

J.B. Hunt Transport, a major player in the trucking industry, operates with 25,700 drivers and 22,500 vehicles. Between June 2020 and June 2022, the company reported:

6. J.B. Hunt Transport – High Crash Rates

J.B. Hunt Transport, a major player in the trucking industry, operates with 25,700 drivers and 22,500 vehicles. Between June 2020 and June 2022, the company reported:

  • 543 crashes
  • 50 fatal accidents
  • Injury accident rate of 0.184 per million miles

J.B. Hunt’s high accident rate categorizes it as one of the most dangerous trucking companies in the U.S., stressing the need for better safety measures.

7. Swift Transportation, Inc. – One of the Most Dangerous Trucking Companies with High Safety Violations

Swift Transportation’s large fleet includes 15,000 drivers and 16,000 vehicles, making it one of the country’s most dangerous trucking companies. According to recent data:

  • 15% of its trucks have safety violations
  • 289 crashes in the past two years
  • 28 fatalities

This record of frequent safety violations has placed Swift on the list of the most dangerous trucking companies.

8. Werner Enterprises – Troubling Record in the Trucking Industry

Werner Enterprises has a long history in transportation but, unfortunately, also a troubling accident record. From 2020 to 2022, Werner reported:

  • 271 crashes
  • 16 fatalities

This history of accidents solidifies Werner Enterprises as one of the most dangerous companies in the U.S., underscoring the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols.

9. Estes Express Lines – High Fatality Rate

Estes Express Lines, with 8,000 drivers, plays a critical role in American commerce. However, its accident statistics show why it ranks among the most dangerous trucking companies. From 2020 to 2022, Estes Express Lines reported:

  • 163 crashes
  • 15 fatalities

The frequent fatal incidents involving Estes trucks call for improvements in safety practices.

10. Schneider National Carriers – A Concerning Number of Crashes

With a workforce of over 12,500 drivers, Schneider National Carriers has faced significant challenges in maintaining a safe record. Their recent data includes:

  • 200 crashes
  • 20 fatalities

Schneider’s troubling accident history places it on the list of the most dangerous, signaling a need for better safety and compliance standards.

The most dangerous trucking companies operate large vehicles that can be challenging to control and stop, especially in emergencies. Due to their size and weight, truck accidents are often severe and may lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Key factors contributing to the risk include:

Why Tractor Trailers Pose Such a High Risk

The most dangerous trucking companies operate large vehicles that can be challenging to control and stop, especially in emergencies. Due to their size and weight, truck accidents are often severe and may lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Key factors contributing to the risk include:

  • Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road without sufficient breaks increase the risk of accidents.
  • Distracted driving: Long-haul drivers may be tempted to use electronic devices, diverting their focus from the road.
  • Aggressive driving: Tight deadlines may lead some drivers to engage in risky driving behaviors.

Federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) aim to set minimum safety standards, yet companies on the list of the most dangerous trucking companies frequently fail to comply fully with these regulations.

Staying Safe: Caution Around Commercial Trucks

If you’re sharing the road with large trucks, staying vigilant is essential. To minimize your risk of accidents, consider these tips:

  • Keep a safe distance: Avoid following too closely, as trucks have larger blind spots.
  • Avoid sudden lane changes: Trucks need more space to maneuver safely.
  • Stay informed: Knowing which companies have high accident rates allows you to be extra cautious around the most dangerous trucking companies.

David Paul | Andrew Knopf | Brent Bigger of Paul | Knopf | Bigger - Offices in Orlando and Tampa, Florida

What to Do If You’ve Been in A Truck Accident

Accidents involving commercial trucks can lead to life-altering consequences, from physical injuries to emotional distress and financial hardship. If you’ve been involved in an accident with one of these companies, you may be eligible for compensation. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process by:

  • Guiding you through your rights: Legal expertise helps you understand your options.
  • Pursuing compensation: A lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you’ve been affected by an accident with a commercial trucking company, consult a truck accident attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger to explore your options for holding the responsible parties accountable. Contact us now at (800) 434-4327.

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