How to Check a Bus Company
FMCSA's Safety Measurement System, known as SMS, allows the public to search safety information using a company name or USDOT number. BASIC stands for Behavioral Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories. These categories help organize federal safety data around areas such as unsafe driving, crash indicators, hours of service compliance, vehicle maintenance, controlled substances and alcohol, and driver fitness.
Ask for the Legal Name and USDOT Number
Before anything else, ask the company for its legal operating name and USDOT number. Every legitimate passenger carrier has one.
Go to FMCSA's Safety Measurement System
Visit the FMCSA SMS website — the federal system that tracks safety data for commercial motor carriers.
Open FMCSA SMSSearch by Company Name or USDOT Number
Enter the company's name or USDOT number into the search bar. The USDOT number is more reliable since many companies have similar names.
Confirm the Company Is Authorized to Operate
Check that the company's operating authority is active and that it is authorized to carry passengers.
Review Safety Categories and Alerts
FMCSA organizes safety data into BASIC categories: unsafe driving, crash indicators, hours of service compliance, vehicle maintenance, controlled substances and alcohol, and driver fitness. Review for alerts or concerns.
If Something Looks Wrong, Ask Questions Before Booking
Safety alerts or missing information deserve follow-up. Ask the company directly. If you don't get clear answers, look for another carrier.
Important
Many companies have similar names. Always ask for the USDOT number to make sure you are checking the right company.
Ready to Find a Reputable Company?
Browse our directory of motorcoach operators and use the Look Before You Book verification checklist for each one.
Find a CompanyUnderstanding BASIC Categories
Unsafe Driving
Patterns of unsafe driving behaviors like speeding, reckless driving, and seatbelt violations.
Crash Indicator
History and patterns of crash involvement.
Hours of Service
Compliance with driver hours of service regulations to prevent fatigue.
Vehicle Maintenance
Failure to properly maintain commercial vehicles, including brakes, tires, and lights.
Controlled Substances/Alcohol
Violations related to drug and alcohol use by drivers.
Driver Fitness
Drivers operating without proper licensing, medical certificates, or training.
Sources & Citations
FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) — ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMS
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
A Project by the American Bus Association
