By Quinn Hancock
Ask any insurance professional in the transportation industry, and they’ll tell you that a motor carrier’s SMS scores are growing more important with each passing year. An acronym for Safety Measurement System Score, it’s the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s way of tracking a motor carrier’s safety performance. As a motor carrier, if you’re not actively motoring and working to improve your scores, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage.
You might be asking yourself why it’s so important to know and have control over these scores:
Lower Insurance Premiums
Insurance carriers use SMS scores to underwrite accounts. Poor scores mean a higher chance of accidents and claims, which can raise premiums and even limit access to certain insurers. On the other hand, strong scores can open the door to better rates or more insurance carriers.
Fewer Roadside Inspections
Carriers with worse scores are more likely going to be flagged for inspections, which means downtime, delays, and added costs. Good scores reduce the likelihood of being pulled over.
Stronger Shipper & Broker Relationships
Many shippers and brokers review SMS data before awarding contracts. A clean score demonstrates reliability and safety, giving carriers a competitive edge in winning loads.
Avoiding DOT Audits & Penalties
High SMS scores can trigger FMCSA interventions, audits, and even out-of-service orders. Maintaining strong scores helps companies avoid these costly disruptions.
If you’re starting to feel nervous about the importance of these scores, don’t worry, I have good news. With the right strategies, you can improve your SMS score and protect your business. Here are the proven ways to improve your scores:
1. Prioritize Driver Training & Hiring
Your safety record starts with your drivers.
- Screen new hires carefully for driving history and CSA scores.
- Provide ongoing safety training on speeding, seatbelts, and distracted driving.
- Reward drivers who maintain clean inspection histories.
2. Focus on Vehicle Maintenance
Many violations come from preventable issues like lights, brakes, or tires.
- Implement a strict pre-trip inspection routine.
- Use maintenance software to track repairs.
- Train drivers to document and report issues immediately.
3. Strengthen Hours-of-Service Compliance
ELDs and other technologies can help ensure drivers don’t exceed limits.
- Provide refresher training on HOS rules.
- Review logs regularly for accuracy.
- Create a culture where drivers feel safe to report fatigue.
4. Monitor Performance with Telematics
Technology can help identify risks before they leads to violations.
- Track speeding, harsh braking, and idle time.
- Use telematics reports to coach drivers on safer habits.
- Share positive feedback, not just corrections.
5. Conduct Mock DOT Inspections
Don’t wait for an official audit.
- Run internal inspections to spot weaknesses.
- Keep all records including maintenance logs, driver files, training documentation, organized.
- Address violations proactively before they impact your SMS scores.
Improving your SMS score isn’t just about compliance, it’s about running a safer, more efficient fleet. Strong safety scores reduce roadside inspections, improve shipper confidence, and directly impact your insurance premiums. By investing in driver training, vehicle maintenance and proactive monitoring, fleets can not only lower their risk but also strengthen their bottom line.
Quinn Hancock, CIC
Quinn Hancock is AVP of the BizCHOICE Transportation Insurance Program, focusing on program distribution and supporting relationships with our broker, aggregator, and vendor partners. Quinn has spent his entire career as a transportation insurance professional, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Ball State and his Master of Business Administration degree from Louisiana State University. He holds licenses in life and health and property and casualty insurance.