Carrier Performance
Carrier Performance Reviews & Ratings
Every carrier in our network is scored on five weighted criteria after every load. Transparent ratings mean you always know who is hauling your freight and how they perform.
How We Rate Carriers
Five-Criteria Weighted Scoring System
Each criterion carries a different weight based on its impact on shipper satisfaction. Here is how the math works.
On-Time Delivery
30%Measured by pickup and delivery against scheduled appointment windows. A carrier that consistently hits their windows earns the highest scores. Late pickups and missed deliveries lower the score proportionally.
Cargo Safety
25%Tracks damage claims, shortages, and contamination incidents per 100 loads. Carriers with zero claims earn top marks. CSA BASIC scores and out-of-service rates factor into the baseline safety assessment.
Communication
20%Rates responsiveness to check calls, proactive delay notifications, and document turnaround time. Carriers who provide timely updates and return signed BOLs/PODs within 24 hours score highest.
Equipment Condition
15%Evaluates trailer cleanliness, mechanical reliability, and reefer unit functionality (for temperature-controlled loads). Carriers with recent DOT inspection failures or equipment breakdowns affecting delivery are scored lower.
Pricing Competitiveness
10%Compares the carrier's rates against market benchmarks for similar lanes, equipment types, and seasons. Carriers who offer fair, consistent pricing without excessive surcharges earn better scores.
Carrier Tiers
Performance Tiers & What They Mean
Carriers are assigned a tier based on their weighted score. Higher tiers unlock better freight access, faster payment, and priority matching.
- Priority load matching on premium lanes
- Preferred payment terms (Net 15)
- First access to high-value freight
- Dedicated account manager
- Preferred load matching
- Standard payment terms (Net 21)
- Access to recurring freight lanes
- Performance bonus eligibility
- Standard load matching
- Standard payment terms (Net 30)
- Access to spot market freight
- Quarterly performance review
- Spot market load access
- Standard payment terms (Net 30)
- Performance improvement plan available
- Monthly check-in with dispatch team
How We Rate Carriers — Methodology
Every load completed through our network generates a scorecard. The shipper rates the carrier on each of the five criteria using a 1–10 scale. We multiply each score by its category weight and sum the results for a composite score out of 100.
The carrier's overall rating is a rolling 12-month weighted average, with a recency bias that gives 2x weight to loads completed in the past 90 days. This ensures the rating reflects current performance, not historical coasting.
New carriers start with a “Provisional” status until they complete 10 loads. During this period, they are eligible for Standard-tier freight only. After 10 loads, their cumulative score determines their permanent tier placement.
We also cross-reference every carrier against FMCSA SAFER data, CSA BASIC scores, and insurance status on a daily basis. A carrier whose authority lapses, insurance expires, or CSA scores deteriorate is automatically flagged and suspended from load matching until the issue is resolved.
Why It Matters
Benefits of Performance-Based Carrier Matching
Transparency for Shippers
Every carrier quote you receive includes their tier, score, and performance breakdown. You always know who is hauling your freight and how they have performed on past loads.
Accountability for Carriers
Carriers in our network know they are being evaluated on every load. This drives consistent performance and weeds out carriers who cut corners.
Data-Driven Matching
We do not just match by equipment and lane. Our algorithm weighs carrier ratings, historical performance on similar freight, and shipper preferences to find the best fit.
Continuous Improvement
Carriers who fall below Standard receive a clear improvement plan with actionable steps. Most carriers who enter the program return to Silver or above within 60 days.
Common Questions
Carrier Rating FAQs
How does Direct Fleet Dispatch rate carriers?
We use a weighted scoring system across five criteria: On-Time Delivery (30%), Cargo Safety (25%), Communication (20%), Equipment Condition (15%), and Pricing Competitiveness (10%). Each carrier is scored after every load, and their cumulative rating determines their tier.
What is a Platinum-tier carrier?
Platinum-tier carriers maintain a weighted score of 95% or higher across all five criteria. They receive priority load matching, preferred payment terms (Net 15), and first access to premium freight lanes. Platinum status requires a minimum of 50 completed loads in our network.
How often are carrier ratings updated?
Ratings are updated after every completed load using a rolling 12-month average weighted toward recent performance. Carriers with fewer than 10 loads in the past year are marked as 'Limited History' until they build a sufficient track record.
Can a carrier improve their rating?
Yes. Since we use a rolling 12-month average, consistent improvement in any criterion raises a carrier's score over time. Carriers below Standard (80%) are placed on a performance improvement plan. Two consecutive months below 80% results in temporary suspension from load matching.
Do shippers see carrier ratings before booking?
Yes. When we present carrier options for your freight, each quote includes the carrier's tier level, overall score, and performance breakdown by category. You always know who is hauling your freight.
Ready to Ship With Top-Rated Carriers?
Tell us about your freight and we'll match you with performance-rated carriers who have proven track records on your lanes. Free quote, no obligation.