Carrier vetting is the process freight brokers use to review a motor carrier before onboarding, assigning a load, or continuing to use that carrier. A carrier vetting process may include DOT record checks, operating authority review, insurance verification, safety rating review, claims history, loss run analysis, and documentation of the carrier-selection decision.

Freight brokers typically vet carriers by reviewing carrier identity, authority, insurance, safety data, operating status, claims history, and internal onboarding requirements. The PSM Freight Broker Program helps make that process more consistent by combining carrier monitoring, pre-qualification support, re-vetting triggers, and due diligence documentation.

Broker carrier onboarding and compliance refers to the process of collecting, reviewing, and maintaining carrier information before a broker uses that carrier. This can include carrier packets, insurance certificates, authority checks, safety review, compliance documents, and ongoing monitoring after the carrier is approved.

Broker carrier monitoring is the ongoing review of carrier records after onboarding. Instead of checking a carrier once and assuming the information remains the same, brokers can monitor for changes such as insurance lapses, DOT record updates, out-of-service orders, safety rating downgrades, and re-vetting triggers.

A SAFER carrier check refers to reviewing carrier information available through FMCSA’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records system. FMCSA describes the SAFER Company Snapshot as a free record that includes information such as company identification, inspection and out-of-service summaries, crash data, and safety rating information when available.

SMS carrier monitoring refers to reviewing carrier safety data through FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System. FMCSA states that SMS uses safety performance data and may indicate when a carrier could be prioritized for further monitoring, but also cautions users not to draw conclusions about a carrier’s overall safety condition based only on SMS data.

A carrier vetting checklist for brokers may include DOT record review, operating authority, insurance verification, safety rating review, out-of-service history, claims or loss run review, onboarding documents, carrier contact validation, and documentation of the decision. PSM can support this process through monitoring, pre-qualification audits, loss run analysis, and reporting.

Freight brokers can be named in litigation involving carrier selection, and some claims may focus on whether the broker used reasonable care when selecting a motor carrier. The U.S. Supreme Court held in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC that a negligent-hiring claim against a broker was not preempted by the FAAAA because of the Act’s safety exception. The PSM Freight Broker Program is designed to support due diligence and documentation, but it does not provide legal advice or guarantee any legal outcome.

Essentials is best if you need continuous monitoring and alerts across your carrier network. Shield is best if you want a more complete carrier vetting program with included pre-qualification audits, loss run analysis, re-vetting, and documentation. Enterprise is best for large brokers and 3PLs that need full carrier network qualification, unlimited re-vetting, DOT audit preparation, custom reporting, and compliance support.