Batch of Unsafe Texas-Based Trucking Companies Shut Down by FMCSA

Michael S. Callahan | | 18 Wheeler Accidents
Batch of Unsafe Texas-Based Trucking Companies Shut Down by FMCSA

Government officials are working to better enforce federal regulations in hopes of reducing the number of unsafe trucks –and truck drivers—on the roads. A recent crackdown has shut down three unsafe Texas-based trucking companies in 2022 alone, and experts believe that more shutdowns are on the way.

Adversity Transport Inc.

On January 25th of this year, a Texas-based trucking company called Adversity Transport Inc. was shut down by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The FMCSA declared the Houston company to be an “imminent hazard to public safety,” citing the company’s continued violations and failed safety reviews.

Having reviewed Adversity Transport’s roadside safety performance record in December of 2021, the FMCSA reportedly found a number of safety violations including hours of service violations, vehicle maintenance and inspection violations, and driving without required safety parts and accessories. Additionally, the company’s vehicle out of service rate was 89%, more than four times the national average of 21%, and inspections found trucks with unsafe tires, malfunctioning brakes, cracked frames, and a myriad of other major maintenance problems.

In addition, the company’s driver out-of-service was 50%– more than eight times higher than the national average of 6%. The company boasted drivers on record for speeding, texting while driving, and being in possession of controlled substances while driving. In a statement, the FMCSA said that “Adversity Transport’s complete and utter disregard for the [federal safety regulations] substantially increases the likelihood of serious injury or death for your drivers and the motoring public if your operations are not discontinued immediately.”

4 Life Transport

In February, just three weeks after Adversity Transport was shut down, another Texas-based commercial motor carrier was shut down. The company, called 4 Life Transport, was investigated by the FMCSA due to its connection with Adversity Transport. Upon investigating 4 Life Transport, the FMCSA found it to be “egregiously noncompliant” with a number of safety regulations. These violations include Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing (49 CFR Part 382); Commercial Driver’s License Standards (49 CFR Part 383); Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391); Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles (49 CFR Part 392); Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operations (49 CFR Part 393); Hours of Service of Drivers (49 CFR Part 395); and vehicle Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396).

Their inspection found 92% of their vehicles and 58% of their drivers had out-of-service violations. In a statement, the agency reported that the company “fails to ensure its vehicles are safe and multiple roadside inspections revealed vehicle maintenance problems including unsafe tires.” Additionally, they reported the company was not ensuring their drivers are qualified, or that they are in compliance with federal hours of service regulations. The company was ordered to cease operations by the FMCSA on February 11, 2022.

Koboat Trucking

On March 8, the FMCSA shut down a Texas-based single-truck carrier called Koboat Trucking following an investigation of an accident. In February, a truck driver named Christopher Savannah was driving on I-75 in Tennessee when he was involved in an accident. Police report that Savannah struck two cars that were stopped ahead of a roadblock and then struck and killed the officer conducting the roadblock.

During the crash investigation, Savannah was found to be under the influence of marijuana, and admitted to have used the drug the morning of the fatal collision. Further investigations found that Savannah had previously failed a controlled substance test for marijuana on March 31, 2020, and had been prohibited from driving commercial motor vehicles. He also did not have a record of duty status for the week leading up to the crash.

Following this investigation, the FMCSA declared Koboat Trucking to be noncompliant with various safety regulations, including substance use, driver qualification issues, lack of commercial driver’s license, and vehicle inspection and repair issues. Savannah was declared an imminent hazard to public safety, and was served a federal order to cease operation of commercial motor vehicles in February. The company was also issued a federal out-of-service order on March 4, 2022.

Compliance with FMCSA regulation has been shown to save lives, decrease injuries, and reduce property loss caused by truck accidents. The FMCSA hopes that by cracking down on these unsafe Texas-based trucking companies, they can work to reduce the number of truck accidents on our nation’s roads.

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After a truck accident, the truck driver and the trucking company that employs them immediately begins crafting their defense and working to disprove their liability. You need an experienced Texas Truck Accident Lawyer to fight for you, too. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck or 18-wheeler accident, contact The Callahan Law Firm today. Call 713-224-9000 to set up a free, confidential consultation, or fill out our contact form here.