SAFER

Definition

SAFER - Safety and Fitness Electronic Records - is the public FMCSA database at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov that publishes carrier and driver safety information. SAFER serves as the front door for brokers, shippers, and the general public to look up a carrier's USDOT number, MC docket, operating authority status, insurance status, safety rating, and aggregate inspection statistics. Detailed CSA percentile data lives in the separate SMS portal. Since May 14, 2026, registration and operating-authority status are looked up in FMCSA's Motus public search by USDOT number or company name. Brokers and shippers run automated SAFER pulls during carrier qualification - keeping the SAFER record clean is a baseline business requirement.