What Verdica's 804 score means for BURNS MOTOR FREIGHT INC
BURNS MOTOR FREIGHT INC's composite score of 804 out of 850 places the carrier in Verdica's "excellent" band (800–850), indicating strong overall compliance performance relative to industry baselines tracked by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
A score in this range signals that the carrier has demonstrated consistent adherence to federal safety and operational standards across the major compliance dimensions that regulators monitor. For a shipper, freight broker, or potential business partner, an 804 score suggests that BURNS MOTOR FREIGHT INC has not triggered widespread safety violations, licensing lapses, or inspection failures that would elevate risk. That said, the score is not perfect—a 46-point gap below the maximum indicates room for continued improvement, and the sub-score breakdown below reveals where that gap exists.
It is important to note that Verdica's score relies on FMCSA inspection data and BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories) metrics, which are backward-looking regulatory records. They reflect compliance as of the date of the most recent inspection on file, not real-time operational conditions. No independent customer reviews have been indexed for this carrier yet, so readers should independently verify service quality, reliability, and claims handling if those factors matter to their decision.
How the sub-scores break down
Authority & Insurance: 850
This sub-score reflects licensing status and proof of active commercial liability and cargo insurance coverage. A perfect 850 indicates that BURNS MOTOR FREIGHT INC holds current federal operating authority from the FMCSA and maintains the required insurance limits without lapse or deficiency. This is the baseline requirement for legal operation; carriers that fail this dimension are typically out of service or under suspension.
Safety Record: 815
This sub-score aggregates violations captured during roadside inspections and safety audits, including equipment failures, driver conduct infractions, hours-of-service violations, and hazardous materials handling breaches. An 815 reflects that BURNS MOTOR FREIGHT INC has a low rate of these violations relative to its inspection history. However, the 35-point gap from the Authority & Insurance score suggests the carrier has accumulated some documented safety findings, even if they remain within the acceptable range for the industry.
Inspection History: 720
This is the lowest of the three sub-scores, indicating that while BURNS MOTOR FREIGHT INC has passed regulatory inspections, the frequency or severity of findings during those inspections is higher than the other two dimensions. A 720 score still falls within Verdica's "acceptable" band (670–739), meaning inspection performance is not a red flag, but it is the relative weak point. This could reflect a higher-than-average inspection frequency, findings that required corrective action, or a mix of minor and moderate violations noted by FMCSA inspectors.
What regulators in WV track for trucking providers
The FMCSA operates a national inspection and rating system that applies uniformly across all states, including West Virginia. Regulatory data centers on BASIC scores, which measure five safety categories: unsafe driving, hours of service compliance, vehicle maintenance, crash history, and hazardous materials handling.
Inspectors conduct roadside checks and comprehensive audits at carrier facilities. They document violations ranging from minor (missing logbook entries, improper tire tread) to serious (brake system failures, operating without required endorsements, driver fatigue indicators). Carriers with a pattern of violations in any BASIC category face escalating enforcement: warning letters, out-of-service orders, or civil penalties.
A carrier's composite compliance picture emerges from the frequency, severity, and recency of these findings. Regulators do not publish a single "score" for each carrier; Verdica's methodology synthesizes FMCSA data into an interpretable scale to help shippers and brokers make informed selections.
Bottom line
BURNS MOTOR FREIGHT INC's 804 score reflects a carrier with solid compliance across all three major dimensions, and no material red flags on record. However, the slightly lower Inspection History sub-score warrants a follow-up question: request copies of the carrier's most recent FMCSA inspection reports and safety audit summaries to confirm the nature and resolution of any findings. For routine freight, this carrier presents acceptable risk; for time-sensitive or high-value shipments, verify insurance limits and ask for references.