The Worst CDL Trucking Companies by Crash Safety Records: What You Need to Know

Uncover the trucking companies with the worst crash safety records. Learn how UPS, FedEx, Swift, and others compare—and how to stay safe.

Introduction

When it comes to commercial trucking, safety isn't just important—it’s essential. Unfortunately, not all CDL carriers are created equal. Some consistently surface at the top of safety reports due to higher accident, injury, and fatality rates. In this post, we’ll explore some of the trucking companies with the worst crash safety records, based on recent FMCSA data, and why these statistics matter—whether you're a driver, shipper, or concerned motorist.

Top Trucking Companies with Alarming Crash Records

1. UPS

One of the most frequently cited carriers for accidents: Between 2023 and 2025, UPS trucks were involved in 2,452 accidents, including 73 fatal crashes and 828 injury accidents Brian White Injury Lawyers.Another source confirms similar data for a 24-month period ending April 2025: 2,643 reportable accidents, 68 fatalitiesand 889 injuries Pringle & Herigstad, P.C.Kenny Habetz Injury Law.

2. FedEx (Express, Ground, and Freight)

FedEx ranks high across multiple divisions:

• FedEx Ground: ~89 fatal accidents and 904 injuries in the past 24 months Pringle & Herigstad, P.C..

• FedEx Express: ~31 fatal crashes, 510 injuries—1,505 total crashes Kenny Habetz Injury Law.

• FedEx Freight: Notable stats include 32 fatal crashes and 230 serious injuries John Foy & Associates.

3. J.B. Hunt Transport

Involved in 1,612 collisions, with 54 fatal crashes and 526 injuries over two years Brian White Injury Lawyers.Another source reports 1,794 accidents, 52 fatalities, and 554 injuries, plus high tow-away numbers Pringle & Herigstad, P.C..

4. Swift Transportation

Swift has recorded:

• 35 fatal crashes

• 259 injury crashes

• 596 tow-away incidents

• 890 total crashesin a recent 24-month span Kenny Habetz Injury Law.Other data notes 986 crashes, 32 fatalities, and 276 injuries as of July 2023 Ohio Truck Accident Help.

5. Werner Enterprises

Safety data shows:

• 21 fatalities

• 230 injury crashes

• 562 total tow-away crashes

• 813 total accidents Kenny Habetz Injury Law.

6. U.S. Xpress

This carrier’s 24-month crash total includes:

• 13 fatal crashes

• 158 injury accidents

• 511 total crashes Kenny Habetz Injury Law.

7. Averitt Express

Despite being smaller, Averitt has a high fatality rate per million miles:

• 9 fatal crashes

• 94 injury incidents

• 325 total accidents

• .022 fatal crash rate per million miles—one of the highest Kenny Habetz Injury LawSpiva Law Group, P.C..

Summary Table

Company	Fatal Crashes	Injury Crashes	Total Crashes
UPS	~68–73	~828–889	~2,450–2,650
FedEx Ground	~89	~904	—
FedEx Express	~31	~510	~1,505
J.B. Hunt	~52–54	~526–554	~1,600–1,800
Swift	~35	~259	~890–986
Werner	~21	~230	~813
U.S. Xpress	~13	~158	~511
Averitt Express	~9	~94	~325

Why These Numbers Matter

• Not all crashes are avoidable—but consistent patterns point to potential systemic safety issues.

• Large carriers like UPS and FedEx have higher crash counts naturally due to fleet size—but the sheer volume still raises concern.

• Smaller companies like Averitt having a high per-mile fatality rate underscores the importance of scrutinizing safety relative to scale.

• These companies appear frequently in FMCSA's SAFER data and must be evaluated by shippers and drivers alike Wikipedia+1.

What You Can Do

• Drivers: Consider a carrier’s crash history before accepting a position. Ask about safety programs, training, and compliance.

• Shippers: Conduct due diligence using FMCSA and SAFER reports to vet your carriers.

• Every driver and motorist: Recognize these names and maintain caution on the road.

Conclusion

Safety should be the cornerstone of any CDL or trucking decision. The carriers listed above have consistently alarming crash safety records, whether measured in raw crash totals or fatality rates. At the end of the day, every accident is preventable—industry transparency and accountability can help keep our roads safer.