Freight Glossary
Carrier Vetting
Carrier vetting is the process of evaluating a motor carrier's safety record, insurance coverage, operating authority, and financial stability before using them to move freight. It protects shippers from liability exposure and service risk. A thorough vetting process checks the carrier's FMCSA authority status, insurance certificates, CSA safety scores, and DOT inspection history.
Why it matters
Using an unvetted carrier exposes shippers to cargo loss with no recourse, co-liability in accident litigation, and compliance risk if the carrier has revoked operating authority. All of these can create significant legal and financial exposure. Shippers found using carriers with revoked authority can face regulatory penalties and be held jointly liable for damages in accident litigation.
When to use it
Vet every carrier before adding them to your approved carrier list. At minimum, verify FMCSA operating authority, insurance certificates, and safety rating (CSA scores) before tendering any freight. Re-vet your carrier roster quarterly, as authority status, insurance, and safety scores can change between annual reviews.
How Warp thinks about it
Warp operates its own asset-based network with vetted drivers and vehicles under Warp's direct oversight. Shippers using Warp don't need to manage a separate carrier vetting process for Warp-operated lanes. All 20,000+ carrier partners in the Warp network undergo vetting for authority, insurance, and safety scores before being activated on any lane.