HIWAY EXPRESS LLC
Risk factors
Low riskVioCodes scoreA weighted read of the public FMCSA signals below — authority, insurance, out-of-service, crashes, roadside OOS rates, and carrier connections. A starting point for vetting, not a guarantee.
Roadside inspection performance
Out-of-service rate vs national average. Lower is better.
CSA performance breakdown
FMCSA · Sep 202639 inspections · 38 violations (8 OOS) · 23% of inspections had an OOS finding.
Violations by BASIC
click to filter codes
Top cited codes
score = count × severity weight
- 1393.11B-CSURRVehicle Maintenance
Conspicuity Systems - Trailers, upper rear retro reflective sheeting inadequate on vehicle manufactured on or after December 1, 1993
6
2× · sev 3
- 2393.11A1-LSLMWRVehicle Maintenance1 OOS
Lighting - Stop lamps - Both missing when required to be on.
6
1× · sev 6
- 3393.209E-STPSDVehicle Maintenance
Steering - Power steering components loose/broken
6
1× · sev 6
- 4393.55E-BVehicle Maintenance
Air Brake - ABS malfunction lamp defective on trailers manufactured on or after March 1, 1998
4
1× · sev 4
- 5393.55C1-BVehicle Maintenance
Air Brake - Truck-tractor manufactured on or after March 1, 1997, not equipped with an ABS system. System does not function or indicates a fault.
4
1× · sev 4
- 6393.11B-CSLRRVehicle Maintenance
Conspicuity Systems - Trailers, lower rear retro reflective sheeting inadequate on vehicle manufactured on or after December 1, 1993
3
1× · sev 3
- 7393.11B-CSRIGRRVehicle Maintenance
Conspicuity Systems - Trailers, rear impact guard retro reflective sheeting inadequate on vehicle manufactured on or after December 1, 1993
3
1× · sev 3
- 8392.2-SLLLRUnsafe Driving
State/Local Laws - Lane restriction violation
3
1× · sev 3
- 9393.55E
No or Defective ABS Malfunction Indicator Lamp for trailer manufactured after 03/01/1998
1
1×
- 10396.17C
Operating a CMV without proof of a periodic inspection
1
1×
Most inspected in · top 8 states
- TX14
- MS2
- MO2
- KY1
- SD1
- NY1
- KS1
- AR1
Latest FMCSA SMS snapshot. Codes link to the lookup — severity weighting, contest angles, and the DataQs Drafter for each. Click a BASIC to filter the codes.
Safety trends & next-run projection
Where each BASIC sits today, how it ranks against peers, and where it’s heading at the next monthly SMS run.
FMCSA keeps the Crash Indicator percentile private, and its measure needs a power-unit history public data doesn’t expose — so it can’t be estimated yet. VioCodes now records power units monthly, so a calibrated Crash estimate should light up over time. These are the public crash facts (all state-reportable crashes count, regardless of fault).
“Projected” estimates the next monthly SMS run from inspections on record now. FMCSA marks the BASIC percentile itself “Not Public,” so the percentile shown is a VioCodes estimate of how the carrier ranks against its peers, presented as a likely range (shaded on the gauge) and calibrated against real carriers. Crash Indicator has no public estimate — FMCSA keeps its measures fully private. Estimates, not official FMCSA figures. Not affiliated with FMCSA.
Recommendations
What’s driving each score, what to do about it, and where it could go.
Vehicle out-of-service rate exceeds the national average
High impactVehicle OOS rate is 26.9% vs the 22% national average. Carriers above the national OOS average draw more enforcement attention (audits, roadside stops) and can see higher insurance premiums.
- Review recent inspections with out-of-service violations and fix the root causes with equipment and drivers
- Run a preventative-maintenance program; periodically inspect tires, brakes and lights
- Reinforce thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections; retrain where needed
A high share of violations are occurring in TX
Medium impact12 of 25 violations in the last 12 months (48%) came from inspections in TX. That can mean tougher enforcement there or simply more of your miles run through it — either way it's worth a look.
- Review the inspections from TX to spot recurring issues
- Brief drivers running that lane; consider rerouting around the toughest enforcement corridors where practical
Seat belt violations are the leading contributor to Unsafe Driving
Low impactEstimated Unsafe Driving percentile of 25% is under the 65% line. In decent shape, but here's what's driving it.
- 392.2-SLLSWZState/Local Laws - Speeding work/construction zone1× · 23%
- 392.2-SLLS2State/Local Laws - Speeding 6-10 miles per hour over the speed limit1× · 9%
- 392.2-SLLLRState/Local Laws - Lane restriction violation1× · 20%
- Zero-tolerance belt policy; verify with in-cab camera or spot checks
Log / ELD device violations are the leading contributor to Hours-of-Service Compliance
Low impactEstimated Hours-of-Service Compliance percentile of 50% is under the 65% line. In decent shape, but here's what's driving it.
- 395.32B-ELDDFRHOS (ELD) - Driver failed to review any unassigned driving time when prompted by the ELD1× · 71%
- 395.22H4Driver failed to maintain supply of blank drivers records of duty status graph-grids1× · 29%
- Make sure the ELD is registered, working, and drivers know how to log in and certify daily
Driver Fitness needs attention
Low impactEstimated Driver Fitness percentile of 0% is under the 80% line. In decent shape, but here's what's driving it.
- Review recent inspections with violations in this BASIC and take remedial action with drivers/equipment
Controlled Substances/Alcohol needs attention
Low impactEstimated Controlled Substances/Alcohol percentile of 0% is under the 80% line. In decent shape, but here's what's driving it.
- Review recent inspections with violations in this BASIC and take remedial action with drivers/equipment
Lighting / lamps violations are the leading contributor to Vehicle Maintenance
Low impactEstimated Vehicle Maintenance percentile of 63% is under the 80% line. In decent shape, but here's what's driving it.
- 393.9TInoperable tail lamp1× · 12%
- 393.11A1-LSLMWRLighting - Stop lamps - Both missing when required to be on.1× · 11%
- 393.9Inoperable Required Lamp3× · 8%
- 393.55C1-BAir Brake - Truck-tractor manufactured on or after March 1, 1997, not equipped with an ABS system. System does not function or indicates a fault.1× · 8%
- 393.55E-BAir Brake - ABS malfunction lamp defective on trailers manufactured on or after March 1, 19981× · 5%
- 396.3A1BLBrake system pressure loss1× · 4%
- 393.70B1IDefective latching fasteners - Fasteners on either side of the vehicle are missing or ineffective1× · 4%
- Walk the lights every pre-trip and carry spare bulbs/fuses; clean lenses and check the trailer plug
- Prioritize the out-of-service items — they carry the heaviest weight
Recommendations are generated from the carrier’s public FMCSA roadside-inspection record. Percentiles and projections are VioCodes estimates, not official FMCSA figures. Informational, not legal advice.
90-day safety improvement plan
What this carrier has struggled with most in the last 90 days — where to focus now.
- 392.16ADDriver - Failed to use seat belt while operating a CMV.
- Coach speed and following distance — Unsafe Driving points are weighted heavily
- Hands off the phone; always belt up
Based on roadside inspections in the last 90 days, ranked by what recurs most. Informational, not legal advice.
Inspection & crash map
live · FMCSA MCMISEvery inspection and crash on record — hover a point for the summary, click for full detail (codes, severity, CSA points).
CSA points = violation severity weight × FMCSA time weight (3× in the last 6 months, 2× at 6–12, 1× at 12–24). Points are spread within each state — FMCSA records the inspection state, not an exact location. Source: FMCSA MCMIS.
Equipment
VINs via NHTSA47 distinct vehicles seen in this carrier’s roadside inspections.
+ 17 more.
Equipment is inferred from VINs recorded on roadside inspections (FMCSA MCMIS), decoded via the NHTSA vPIC API — it reflects vehicles inspected, not a current fleet roster.
Crash record (US, last 24 months)
Total
2
Tow-away
2
Injury
1
Fatal
0
Company profile
FMCSA censusAUTHORIZED FOR HIRE
- Interstate · 100+ mi20 drivers
- Company officer
- ERNIE PLETT
- Operation
- Interstate
- Registered since
- 2005-02-25
- Last MCS-150 update
- 2026-03-13
- Census status
- Active
Fleet: 18 trucks · 11 owned tractors · 23 owned trailers · 7 leased/term tractors.
Source: FMCSA Company Census File (data.transportation.gov). Fleet and driver counts are self-reported on the carrier’s most recent MCS-150 filing.
Connections
carrier graphThis carrier shares VINs or phone numbers with 9 other carriers — review the connections below as part of your vetting.
Shared VINs come from FMCSA roadside-inspection records — a vehicle inspected under more than one carrier, often a fleet transfer or trailer interchange. Other links come from the FMCSA census. Shared identifiers are common and often legitimate — treat these as leads to investigate, not proof of wrongdoing.
Activity history
43 events- 03/13/2026MCS-150 update filed
1.7M mi reported (2025)
- 03/15/2025Insurance filed — NORTHLAND INSURANCE COMPANY
Liability (BIPD) — BMC-91X · policy WF015851
- 03/15/2025Insurance replaced — UNITED STATES FIRE INSURANCE CO.
BIPD/Primary · policy 506-9038662
- 05/06/2022Insurance replaced — UNITED STATES FIRE INSURANCE CO.
BIPD/Primary · policy 506-9038662
- 03/15/2022Insurance replaced — CRUM & FORSTER INDEMNITY COMPANY
BIPD/Primary · policy 506-9009268
- 03/15/2021Insurance replaced — ARCH INSURANCE COMPANY
BIPD/Primary · policy ZAPKG6023600
- 03/15/2020Insurance cancelled — AEGIS SECURITY INSURANCE COMPANY
BIPD/Primary · policy AE-000322-02
- 03/15/2020Insurance replaced — ARCH INSURANCE COMPANY
BIPD/Primary · policy ZAPKG6023600
- 02/18/2020COMMON — INVOLUNTARY REVOCATION
DISCONTINUED REVOCATION (03/03/2020)
- 03/15/2019Insurance cancelled — AEGIS SECURITY INSURANCE COMPANY
BIPD/Primary · policy AE-000322-01
- 02/19/2019COMMON — INVOLUNTARY REVOCATION
DISCONTINUED REVOCATION (03/13/2019)
- 03/15/2018Insurance replaced — SENTRY SELECT INSURANCE COMPANY
BIPD/Primary · policy A0077947001
- 03/15/2017Insurance replaced — AMERICAN MILLENNIUM INS/CITADEL REINSURANCE
BIPD/Primary · policy AUS4000054
- 03/06/2017Insurance name changed — AMERICAN MILLENNIUM INS/CITADEL REINSURANCE
BIPD/Primary · policy AUS4000054
- 02/01/2017COMMON — INVOLUNTARY REVOCATION
DISCONTINUED REVOCATION (02/02/2017)
- 03/15/2016Insurance replaced — CANAL INSURANCE CO.
BIPD/Primary · policy PIA08028901
- 03/15/2015Insurance cancelled — NATIONAL CASUALTY COMPANY
BIPD/Primary · policy LTO0016862
- 02/17/2015COMMON — INVOLUNTARY REVOCATION
DISCONTINUED REVOCATION (03/13/2015)
- 03/15/2014Insurance cancelled — ILLINOIS NATIONAL INSURANCE CO.
BIPD/Primary · policy TP 9881368 01
- 02/18/2014COMMON — INVOLUNTARY REVOCATION
DISCONTINUED REVOCATION (03/14/2014)
- 04/18/2013Insurance cancelled — GREAT WEST CASUALTY CO.
BIPD/Primary · policy GWP92788A
- 03/15/2013Insurance replaced — GREAT WEST CASUALTY CO.
BIPD/Primary · policy GWP92788A
- 03/15/2012Insurance cancelled — HALLMARK COUNTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
BIPD/Primary · policy TXA507289
- 03/15/2012Insurance cancelled — HALLMARK SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY
CARGO · policy TXI401251
- 02/17/2012COMMON — INVOLUNTARY REVOCATION
DISCONTINUED REVOCATION (03/01/2012)
- 03/15/2011Insurance cancelled — GREAT AMERICAN ASSURANCE COMPANY
BIPD/Primary · policy PAC2041769
- 02/16/2011COMMON — INVOLUNTARY REVOCATION
DISCONTINUED REVOCATION (03/15/2011)
- 03/15/2010Insurance replaced — GRAMERCY INSURANCE COMPANY
CARGO · policy MI4209-26561
- 03/15/2010Insurance cancelled — GRAMERCY INSURANCE COMPANY
BIPD/Primary · policy GIC 42-1900-00785
- 02/16/2010COMMON — INVOLUNTARY REVOCATION
DISCONTINUED REVOCATION (03/16/2010)
Merged from FMCSA authority, insurance, out-of-service, and census records.
Operations
Classification
- AUTHORIZED FOR HIRE
Area served
- Interstate
FMCSA safety rating
- Rating
- Not rated
- Type
- Non-ratable review
- Rated
- —
- Last review
- 2011-04-20
MCS-150 registration
- Form date
- 2026-03-13
- Reported mileage
- 1,699,992 mi (2025)
Changes on file
FMCSA census historyJanuary, 2022
- Drivers grew to 22
January, 2021
First on-record entry — HIWAY EXPRESS LLC, SUMNER, TX
Got a violation you want to contest?
Use the free AI-powered DataQs Drafter to generate a polished challenge letter — quotes the relevant 49 CFR, predicts your grant chance.