What Verdica's 815 score means for GARDA CL WEST INC
GARDA CL WEST INC's composite score of 815 out of 850 places the carrier in the "excellent" band (800–850), indicating strong regulatory compliance and safety performance as measured by federal data. This score reflects that the carrier meets or exceeds established baselines across the dimensions Verdica tracks: operational authority, insurance coverage, safety outcomes, and inspection history.
A score at this level suggests the carrier has demonstrated consistent adherence to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards. For a business owner or shipper evaluating this carrier, an 815 score signals lower regulatory risk compared to the industry median. However, the score is not perfect—there is a 35-point gap to the maximum—which indicates room for improvement in one or more compliance areas. The absence of independent customer reviews means this assessment is based entirely on regulatory data; prospective customers should supplement this score with direct reference checks and operational due diligence.
How the sub-scores break down
Authority & Insurance (850/850): This perfect sub-score indicates GARDA CL WEST INC holds valid operating authority with the FMCSA and maintains required insurance coverage. These are threshold requirements; carriers without proper authority or sufficient insurance cannot legally operate. A score of 850 confirms no deficiencies in this foundational area.
Safety Record (835/850): This strong score reflects the carrier's performance on FMCSA BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories) metrics, which measure safety outcomes such as driver behavior, vehicle maintenance, and crash involvement. A score of 835 indicates the carrier performs well but is not flawless; there may be minor infractions or marginal performance in one or more BASIC categories that prevent a perfect rating. This is typical for established carriers operating at scale.
Inspection History (735/850): This sub-score is the lowest of the three, though still in the acceptable-to-strong range. FMCSA roadside inspections generate violations when officers identify safety defects, documentation issues, or driver violations. A score of 735 suggests the carrier has experienced some level of inspection findings over the FMCSA review period. This does not necessarily indicate unsafe operations—inspection outcomes can reflect procedural gaps, minor maintenance issues, or documentation compliance challenges that may be correctable.
What regulators in FL track for trucking providers
The FMCSA maintains a national safety database that tracks all commercial motor carriers. In Florida and nationwide, regulators focus on several key areas:
BASIC Scores measure carrier safety across categories including unsafe driving, fatigued driving, driver fitness, controlled substances, vehicle maintenance, and crash indicators. Scores are generated from roadside inspections, crash data, and investigation results. A carrier's BASIC profile is updated continuously.
Safety Inspections occur at roadside checkpoints and can be Level 1 (comprehensive vehicle and driver audit), Level 2 (vehicle inspection), Level 3 (cargo/documentation review), or Level 4 (roadside check). Each inspection type generates a report; violations are coded by severity.
Operating Authority requires carriers to register with FMCSA and maintain eligibility; violations of hours-of-service rules, vehicle standards, or driver qualification standards can jeopardize this status. Insurance requirements vary by cargo type and trailer configuration.
Florida-based carriers operate under both FMCSA federal rules and Florida Department of Transportation standards. Inspection intensity and violation patterns vary by region, carrier size, and commodity type.
Bottom line
GARDA CL WEST INC's 815 score reflects a carrier with solid regulatory standing and no major compliance red flags. The excellent authority and insurance score and strong safety record indicate low-risk operations at the federal level. Anyone considering engagement should confirm current operational status directly with FMCSA, request safety certifications and insurance documentation, and conduct independent reference checks to round out this regulatory assessment.