The trucking industry plays a major role in moving goods around the United States, but not all companies operate at the same level of standards. With aspects like safety, reliability, and employment practices in mind, the top 10 worst trucking companies are as follows:
1. FedEx Ground
Despite being a top carrier with a big market share, FedEx faces frequent lawsuits related to accidents and worker mistreatment. The company’s critics also point to whether striving to be the answer to “What trucking company has the most customers?” matters more to FedEx than prioritizing safety.
2. Werner Enterprises
Werner has faced its share of scrutiny over the years as well. It has become associated with high driver turnover, questionable safety practices, and long hours. Some truckers are able to find success there, but others claim it is one of the worst trucking companies to work for.
3. Swift Transportation
Swift is practically notorious for being one of the worst trucking companies to drive for. It has a rocky history littered with truck accidents and lawsuits stemming from negligent hiring practices and improper training. Its reputation among drivers is also quite bad because of alleged unsafe working conditions.
4. J.B. Hunt
J.B. Hunt, despite being one of the largest 18-wheeler companies out there, has dealt with several complaints about bad communication and unreasonable demands on their drivers. While it is trying to improve its safety programs, it is still considered a contentious employer.
5. CRST International
CRST often makes lists of bad trucking companies, in part thanks to its safety record and the way the company treats its workers. Many drivers report poor pay, for instance, and the company has been involved in lawsuits related to unsafe driving practices.
6. Celadon Group
Before declaring bankruptcy in 2019, Celadon faced several legal troubles and financial scandals. Along with a bad safety record, these issues made it one of the worst trucking companies in the industry, and its “legacy” remains a cautionary tale.
7. PAM Transport
PAM is often criticized for substandard pay and a serious lack of driver support. It’s been hit with several lawsuits over safety concerns that make it one of the worst trucking companies to drive for.
8. Covenant Transport
Covenant has been lambasted for its treatment of drivers, including low wages and long hours, and safety concerns have only added to its negative image. Overall, it has been described as an awful business to work for.
9. USA Truck
USA Truck is yet another business mentioned in the discussion of “bad driving record trucking companies.” Complaints about low pay and bad training are also common, and though the carrier’s reputation has improved slightly in recent years, several drivers still consider it a tough place to work.
10. YRC Freight
Finally, there’s YRC, one of the biggest names in the less-than-truckload (LTL) industry. Even so, it’s considered one of the worst LTL carriers around, with its drivers not only often reporting frustration over old equipment but also management problems.
Safest Trucking Companies
The trucking industry’s safety challenges have real consequences. Simply looking up how many truckers die a year will confirm that truck safety (or the lack thereof) represents a serious issue. Thousands of truck accidents happen annually, with a fair number happening in the Baton Rouge area.
All of this is not to say that all trucking companies are bad. Some do prioritize safety and employee satisfaction. Businesses like Old Dominion Freight Line, UPS, and even FedEx Freight are commonly considered to be some of the safest trucking companies, as they each emphasize driver training and strict maintenance schedules.
Choosing Safety Over Risk
The worst trucking companies often face major safety, operational, and management issues that affect their workers and the public. Some businesses on this list are trying to address these problems, but they still prove the need for accountability and safety in trucking.
Contact a Baton Rouge, LA Truck Accident Lawyer from Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Baton Rouge, LA today. We have three convenient locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette.
We proudly serve East Baton Rouge Parish, Lafayette Parish, Orleans Parish, and its surrounding areas:
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70124
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New Orleans, Louisiana, 70802
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Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508
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