Are Trucking Companies Cutting Corners on Maintenance and Compromising Safety?

Trucks keep the US economy going. They help supply grocery stores, move construction equipment, deliver building supplies, and more. According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), there are almost 15 million big rigs on US roadways, carrying almost 75% of our freight by weight.

Trucks and truck drivers are essential. However, they’re also the source of significant danger to other drivers. When you’re sharing the road with an 80,000-pound truck, you assume everything about it, from the brakes to the tires and the driver, is in top-notch condition. But what happens when trucking companies prioritize profits over safety?

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for companies to cut corners to save money; when they do, the risks ripple out to everyone on the road.

The temptation to save at any cost

Operating a fleet of commercial trucks is expensive. Maintenance, inspections, driver training—it all adds up. And trucking companies often operate on pretty thin profit margins, so every penny saved is important.

Some trucking companies, especially those feeling the squeeze of tight margins, may look for ways to cut costs. The problem? Cutting corners might boost the bottom line, but it can also lead to catastrophic consequences.

Here’s where the risks often show up:

• Skipping regular maintenance: Routine checks and repairs aren’t cheap, but they’re essential. Trucks see significant wear and tear, and every mile on the road means less tire tread and less braking power. Neglecting brake systems or failing to replace worn tires can turn a minor issue into a deadly accident.
• Pushing drivers too hard: Federal regulations limit how many hours a driver can be behind the wheel without rest. However, some companies encourage (or put outright pressure on) drivers to ignore these rules. Tired drivers are a danger to themselves and everyone else on the road.
• Using older trucks: Instead of investing in newer, safer vehicles, some companies rely on aging trucks that don’t meet modern safety standards. Superficially, it looks like they’re maximizing the value of their existing fleet. In reality, they’re taking a dangerous gamble, hoping to pad their bottom line a little more.
• Cutting back on training: Proper training takes time and money. Without it, drivers may not know how to handle emergencies or operate their vehicles safely under all conditions. Earning a CDL is a big step, but it’s not the only one that drivers should take. And some companies employ drivers who don’t even have that credential. Ensuring that all drivers have at least a CDL is important, but so is ongoing training on how to handle things drivers might experience, ranging from thick traffic to blizzards.

When trucking companies cut corners, they save money. However, that financial savings can come at a significant cost.

The cost of cutting corners

When trucking companies skimp on safety, the results can be devastating. Tennessee has seen its fair share of trucking accidents. In fact, the state consistently ranks among the top states for truck-related fatalities per capita.

In 2024, large trucks were involved in 156 crashes on Tennessee’s roadways, resulting in 170 fatalities, according to the state’s Department of Safety & Homeland Security. That’s up significantly from 2022 and 2023, although slightly lower than in 2021. Many of these accidents could have been avoided with proper maintenance, trained drivers, and adherence to safety regulations.

Tennessee isn’t the only state plagued by increasing truck accidents. A spokesperson for the Idaho State Police blamed poor maintenance of trucks, distracted driving, and speeding for the jump in truck accidents that the state has experienced. The federal government shut down a trucking company involved in a fatal accident in Colorado for a range of violations, including failure to comply with vehicle maintenance and inspection standards.

While there’s little that everyday Tennesseans can do to force trucking companies to maintain their vehicles properly, there are things that drivers can do to protect themselves around big trucks.

What you can do to stay safe around trucks

While you can’t control a trucking company’s decisions, there are ways to protect yourself:

• Give trucks space: Large trucks need extra room to stop and maneuver. Avoid tailgating or cutting them off. Remember, if you can’t see their sideview mirrors, drivers can’t see you.
• Stay out of blind spots: Trucks have large blind spots on all sides (the front, rear, and on both sides of the trailer). If you can’t see the driver in their mirror, they probably can’t see you.
• Be patient: Don’t try to race a truck to an exit or squeeze into a tight gap. Remember that big rigs can’t turn or stop on a dime, so there’s little they can do to react if you cut them off trying to beat them to the exit. Take it slow and be patient so that you arrive alive.
• Report unsafe behavior: If you see a truck swerving, speeding, or driving recklessly, report it to local authorities or the FMCSA. Truck drivers are often fatigued, which slows down their reaction time and dramatically increases the chances of an accident.

It’s important for all drivers to be aware of and practice road safety. However, we also need to make sure that trucking companies are held to a high standard.

Holding trucking companies accountable

When trucking companies cut corners, they gamble with lives—including yours. If you’re injured in a trucking accident, you have the right to hold them accountable. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you investigate the root cause of the accident, whether it’s poor maintenance, driver fatigue, or something else entirely.

At Wagner Workers’ Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how to take on big trucking companies. We dig deep to uncover the evidence you need to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let a trucking company’s negligence go unchecked. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation.