MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC
AUTHORIZEDUSDOT
48104
MC Number
162035
Fleet Size
308
Total Drivers
347
Last updated: March 16, 2026
Safety overview
MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC is a large interstate motor carrier based in HICKORY, North Carolina, operating 308 power units with 347 drivers. Their safety profile raises flags: 4 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. They have 20 crashes on file (4 with injuries). FMCSA records show 717 inspections for this carrier.
BASIC scores
SMS PercentilesHigher percentile = worse performance relative to peers. Scores at or above 75% may trigger an FMCSA investigation.
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.
For reference, the average driver OOS rate in North Carolina is 12.9% and the average vehicle OOS rate is 30.1% across 50,491 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
717
Total
67%
Driver %
Insurance on file
Liability (BIPD)
SAFETY NATIONAL CASUALTY CORPORATION — eff. Jun 29, 2013
Cargo
Not on file
Surety Bond
LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE CO. — eff. Oct 1, 2013
Trust Fund
Not on file
Crash history
20
Total Crashes
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Frequently asked questions
Is MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC authorized to operate?
Yes. MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC (USDOT #48104) currently holds "AUTHORIZED" status with FMCSA. They're registered as an interstate carrier.
What is MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC's safety record?
MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC has 4 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 MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC operate?
MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC operates 308 power units with 347 drivers on file. That puts them in the large carrier category by FMCSA standards.
Does MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC transport hazardous materials?
No. MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC does not have a hazardous materials flag in the FMCSA database.
Where is MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC located?
MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC is based in HICKORY, North Carolina at 5005 ALEX LEE BLVD, 28601. Phone: (828) 725-4259.
What are MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC's out-of-service rates?
MERCHANTS TRANSPORT OF HICKORY LLC'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 6.8% (national average: 20.72%). Below average, suggesting the fleet is well-maintained.