What Verdica's 815 score means for HINKLE TRUCKING INC
Verdica's composite score of 815 out of 850 places HINKLE TRUCKING INC in the "excellent" band (800–850), meaning the provider demonstrates strong compliance with federal trucking regulations and safety standards. This score reflects data drawn from FMCSA inspection records and BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories) metrics, which are the primary regulatory tools federal and state authorities use to assess motor carrier risk.
A score of 815 indicates that HINKLE TRUCKING INC performs well above the minimum threshold required to operate legally and is positioned in the top tier of carriers evaluated by Verdica. Readers should understand this score as a signal that the carrier meets or exceeds federal safety and operational standards across most measured dimensions. However, the score is not perfect—there is room for improvement in one area (Inspection History, discussed below). For a business owner or shipper evaluating logistics partners, this score suggests the provider represents lower regulatory risk compared to carriers scoring in lower bands.
How the sub-scores break down
Authority & Insurance (850/850): This perfect sub-score indicates that HINKLE TRUCKING INC holds valid operating authority from the FMCSA and maintains required insurance coverage at or above federal minimums. In the trucking industry, this dimension reflects licensing status, proof of cargo and liability insurance, and compliance with registration requirements. A score of 850 means no gaps or lapses in these foundational credentials have been detected.
Safety Record (835/850): This sub-score reflects the carrier's history of accidents, hazardous material incidents, and unsafe driving violations as reported through FMCSA safety databases. A score of 835 indicates a strong safety profile with few or no serious safety violations on record. Minor infractions or isolated incidents may be reflected in the small point deduction from a perfect score, but the data suggests the carrier operates with minimal safety risk.
Inspection History (735/850): This is the lowest of the three sub-scores, though still within the acceptable-to-strong range. This dimension tracks roadside inspections by state and federal enforcement officers, including violations found during vehicle and driver inspections. Common issues evaluated include mechanical defects, driver qualification file problems, hours-of-service violations, and cargo securement issues. A score of 735 suggests HINKLE TRUCKING INC has been inspected and minor violations or deficiencies were noted. The gap between this score and the other two indicates that while the carrier's authority and safety record are strong, inspection findings reveal room for operational improvement.
What regulators in WV track for trucking providers
The FMCSA and West Virginia state regulators maintain oversight of motor carriers through two primary mechanisms reflected in Verdica's scoring:
FMCSA Safety Inspections examine vehicle condition, driver qualifications, logbooks, and cargo handling. Common violations include brake defects, lighting issues, driver hours-of-service violations, and incomplete safety documentation. Inspectors assign violations to severity categories; repeated or serious violations lower a carrier's score.
BASIC Scores aggregate violations across seven categories: unsafe driving, crash indicator, hours-of-service compliance, vehicle maintenance, driver fitness, hazardous materials compliance, and vehicle inspection. Carriers scoring high (indicating fewer violations) in these categories demonstrate systematic compliance. Scores are relative; a carrier's BASIC percentile ranks it against peers nationally.
West Virginia regulators coordinate with federal FMCSA staff to conduct roadside inspections on state highways and interstates. The inspection history sub-score reflects findings from these audits.
Bottom line
HINKLE TRUCKING INC scores in the excellent range and represents lower regulatory risk. The Authority & Insurance and Safety Record sub-scores are particularly strong. Before engaging the carrier, confirm that current insurance certificates align with your cargo requirements and request a copy of the carrier's most recent inspection report to understand the specific findings reflected in the Inspection History sub-score.