MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC

AUTHORIZED
6016 SOUTH MACKINAW TRAIL, SAULT STE MARIE, MI, 49783|(906) 630-3583

USDOT

1653475

MC Number

786941

Fleet Size

10

Total Drivers

12

Last updated: March 14, 2026

Safety overview

MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC is a small interstate motor carrier based in SAULT STE MARIE, Michigan, operating 10 power units with 12 drivers. 1 of their 5 BASIC scores sits above the 75th percentile intervention threshold. The rest fall within acceptable ranges. Their driver out-of-service rate of 0.0% comes in under the 5.51% national average. No crashes on file. FMCSA records show 1 inspection for this carrier.

BASIC scores

SMS Percentiles

Higher percentile = worse performance relative to peers. Scores at or above 75% may trigger an FMCSA investigation.

Unsafe Driving
7%
HOS / Fatigue
8%
👤Driver Fitness
8%
Controlled Substances
9%
🔧Vehicle Maintenance
99%

Out-of-service rates vs. national average

An out-of-service order means the driver or vehicle was pulled from operation during a roadside inspection.

Driver OOS rate0.0%
National average5.5%
Vehicle OOS rate100.0%
National average20.7%

For reference, the average driver OOS rate in Michigan is 11.3% and the average vehicle OOS rate is 29.3% across 74,437 carriers.

Company details

Entity Type
N/A
Carrier Operation
Interstate
Operation Classification
Authorized For Hire
Cargo Carried
N
Hazmat
No
Safety Rating Date
N/A

What are BASIC scores?

FMCSA tracks carrier performance through its Safety Measurement System (SMS), which scores carriers across six categories called BASICs. Each score is a percentile from 0 to 100, based on inspection and crash data from the past 24 months.

A score of 65 means the carrier performed worse than 65% of its peers. Anything above 75% can trigger FMCSA alerts or investigations. Brokers vetting new carriers should pay attention to scores above 50%.

Unsafe driving
Speeding, reckless driving, improper lane changes, seatbelt violations. All based on what officers find during roadside inspections.
HOS / Fatigue
Hours-of-service violations, logbook problems, driving past the allowed limits. Fatigued driving is one of the top causes of truck crashes in the US.
Driver fitness
Licensing problems, expired medical certificates, and other driver qualification issues.
Controlled substances
Drug and alcohol testing violations, possession, or impairment.
Vehicle maintenance
Brake problems, tire issues, lighting defects, load securement failures. Caught during the vehicle portion of roadside inspections.
Crash indicator
Based on crash history from state-reported data. Higher percentile means more crashes relative to the carrier's size and mileage.

Inspections

1

Total

50%

Driver %

Driver Inspections1
Vehicle Inspections1
Driver OOS Rate0.0%
Vehicle OOS Rate100.0%

Crash history

0

Total Crashes

Fatal Crashes0
Injury Crashes0
Tow Crashes0

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Frequently asked questions

Is MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC authorized to operate?

Yes. MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC (USDOT #1653475) currently holds "AUTHORIZED" status with FMCSA. They're registered as an interstate carrier.

What is MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC's safety record?

MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC has 1 BASIC score above the 75th percentile, which is where FMCSA may look into a carrier. Brokers should weigh these scores alongside the inspection history and crash data before making a decision.

How many trucks does MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC operate?

MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC operates 10 power units with 12 drivers on file. That makes them a small carrier.

Does MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC transport hazardous materials?

No. MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC does not have a hazardous materials flag in the FMCSA database.

Where is MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC located?

MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC is based in SAULT STE MARIE, Michigan at 6016 SOUTH MACKINAW TRAIL, 49783. Phone: (906) 630-3583.

What are MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC's out-of-service rates?

MERLE'S GARAGE AND TOWING INC's driver out-of-service rate is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 5.51%. Below average, which is a good sign. Their vehicle out-of-service rate is 100.0% (national average: 20.72%). Above average, which may point to vehicle maintenance gaps.