What Verdica's 807 score means for EMPIRE SOUTHWEST LLC
Verdica's composite score of 807 out of 850 places EMPIRE SOUTHWEST LLC in the "excellent" band (800–850), indicating strong regulatory compliance standing. This score aggregates three regulatory dimensions tracked by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): authority and insurance status, safety record, and inspection history. A score in this range reflects a carrier with current operating authority, proper insurance coverage, and a safety profile that meets or exceeds regulatory expectations. For shippers, brokers, or consumers evaluating this provider, an 807 score signals lower regulatory risk compared to industry peers. However, it is not a guarantee of perfect service or incident-free operations—it reflects documented compliance with federal safety standards as of the scoring date. The absence of indexed independent customer reviews means Verdica's assessment is based solely on regulatory data; prospective business partners should still conduct additional due diligence beyond this score.
How the sub-scores break down
Authority & Insurance (850/850): This perfect sub-score indicates EMPIRE SOUTHWEST LLC holds current operating authority from the FMCSA and maintains all required insurance policies at or above regulatory minimums. Carriers must hold a valid Motor Carrier Operating Certificate or Permit and proof of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. A maximum score here means no lapses, cancellations, or deficiencies in these foundational compliance areas. This is a baseline threshold; all active trucking providers must meet it to legally operate.
Safety Record (815/850): This sub-score is derived from FMCSA's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) BASIC scores—composite metrics that track safety outcomes. The 815 rating reflects a carrier's historical performance in areas such as crash involvement, violations of safety regulations, and roadworthiness. A score in this range indicates above-average safety performance; carriers with lower scores in this dimension typically show elevated crash rates, hazardous materials violations, or repeated equipment failures. EMPIRE SOUTHWEST LLC's 815 reflects a track record that regulators view as acceptable to strong.
Inspection History (735/850): This sub-score is also rooted in FMCSA BASIC data and reflects the severity and frequency of violations found during roadside inspections and audits. Inspectors check driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, hours-of-service compliance, and documentation accuracy. A score of 735 places this carrier in the acceptable to strong range. It does not mean the carrier has never been cited—nearly all active carriers receive violations over time—but rather that the pattern and severity of violations do not indicate systemic non-compliance. This is the lowest of the three sub-scores but remains well above the threshold for elevated risk.
What regulators in AZ track for trucking providers
Arizona-based carriers operate under FMCSA oversight, which monitors safety through a standardized national database. The FMCSA's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program assigns each carrier a score in seven BASIC categories: unsafe driving, crash indicator, hours-of-service compliance, vehicle maintenance, hazardous materials handling, driver fitness, and controlled substances/alcohol. Scores are weighted based on severity; a single crash or out-of-service condition can move scores more than minor paperwork violations. The FMCSA also conducts on-site safety audits and responds to complaints. Regulators track whether carriers maintain records of driver qualifications, vehicle inspections, and accident reports. In Arizona specifically, the Arizona Department of Transportation coordinates with FMCSA on intrastate carriers. Low scores trigger increased audit frequency and can result in out-of-service orders if violations are critical. High scores like EMPIRE SOUTHWEST LLC's reflect consistent adherence to these standards.
Bottom line
EMPIRE SOUTHWEST LLC's 807 composite score indicates a carrier with strong regulatory compliance credentials and no apparent red flags in authority, insurance, or safety history. If you are evaluating this provider, verify the score is current, check recent customer references outside Verdica's database, and confirm coverage areas and service terms meet your operational needs.