TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC

AUTHORIZED
224 S BELL AVE, AMES, IA, 50010|(515) 509-2570

USDOT

401811

MC Number

N/A

Fleet Size

26

Total Drivers

26

Last updated: March 16, 2026

Safety overview

TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC is a mid-size interstate motor carrier based in AMES, Iowa, operating 26 power units with 26 drivers. Their safety profile raises flags: 3 of 5 BASIC categories exceed the 75th percentile, which is where FMCSA considers stepping in. Their driver out-of-service rate of 0.0% comes in under the 5.51% national average. No crashes on file. FMCSA records show 61 inspections 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
85%
HOS / Fatigue
82%
👤Driver Fitness
51%
Controlled Substances
60%
🔧Vehicle Maintenance
78%

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 rate11.4%
National average20.7%

For reference, the average driver OOS rate in Iowa is 7.2% and the average vehicle OOS rate is 29.9% across 25,829 carriers.

Company details

Entity Type
N/A
Carrier Operation
Interstate
Operation Classification
Authorized For Hire
Cargo Carried
N
Hazmat
Yes
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

61

Total

58%

Driver %

Driver Inspections61
Vehicle Inspections44
Driver OOS Rate0.0%
Vehicle OOS Rate11.4%

Insurance on file

Liability (BIPD)

OLD REPUBLIC INSURANCE COMPANY — eff. Jan 1, 2025

$5,000,000ACTIVE

Cargo

Not on file

Surety Bond

LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE CO. — eff. Apr 15, 2024

On fileACTIVE

Trust Fund

Not on file

Crash history

0

Total Crashes

Fatal Crashes0
Injury Crashes0
Tow Crashes0

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Frequently asked questions

Is TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC authorized to operate?

Yes. TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC (USDOT #401811) currently holds "AUTHORIZED" status with FMCSA. They're registered as an interstate carrier.

What is TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC's safety record?

TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC has 3 BASIC scores 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 TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC operate?

TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC operates 26 power units with 26 drivers on file. That puts them in the mid-size range.

Does TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC transport hazardous materials?

Yes. TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC is flagged for hazardous materials transportation with FMCSA. That means additional safety requirements and more frequent inspections.

Where is TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC located?

TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC is based in AMES, Iowa at 224 S BELL AVE, 50010. Phone: (515) 509-2570.

What are TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS INC's out-of-service rates?

TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS 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 11.4% (national average: 20.72%). Below average, suggesting the fleet is well-maintained.