The commission’s Motor Carrier Safety program checks the safety of trucking and bus companies. Investigators visit a company’s main office to review safety rules with managers. They look at crash records, driver and equipment files, and inspect vehicles at the company’s terminal.
Safety Reviews and Ratings
A company may get a safety review for several reasons:
- To receive a current safety rating
- A safety complaint
- A routine review
- A high number of crashes
- A high number of vehicle defects
- Past Conditional or Unsatisfactory safety rating
After the review, the company receives an intrastate safety rating. The rating will be either Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory.
Safety Management Cycle
The Motor Carrier Safety program uses the Safety Management Cycle (SMC). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration created this system. The SMC helps investigators and companies learn why safety problems happen, not just what the violations are. It focuses on six key areas:
- Policies and Procedures
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Qualification and Hiring
- Training and Communication
- Monitoring and Tracking
- Meaningful Action
Technical Assistance
The Motor Carrier Safety program also gives technical help to companies. State law (RCW 43.05) defines technical assistance as:
- Information about the laws, rules, and tools needed to follow safety requirements
- Information on how to avoid compliance problems
- Help with permit applications
- Information about the commission’s mission and goals
Technical help may be given during visits, by phone, online, or in writing. The commission also provides a guide called 
Achieving a Satisfactory Motor Carrier Safety Record (PDF). Companies can download all forms in the guide for free.
Top Violations Affecting Safety Ratings
Below are the most common violations that affect the Safety Ratings of motor carrier companies regulated by the UTC. These include acute, critical, and critical-type violations. Data is as of 9/30/2025 YTD.
- 49 CFR 480-15-555(1): Failing to conduct or retain paperwork containing criminal background check for a household goods carrier in the state of Washington as required.
- 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1): Failing to require a driver to prepare a record of duty status using appropriate method.
- 49 CFR 396.45(a): Using a driver not medically examined and certified.
- 49 CFR 396.17(a): Using a commercial motor vehicle not periodically inspected.
- 49 CFR 396.3(b): Failing to keep a minimum record of inspection and vehicle maintenance.