TruckCodex

MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD

USDOT 159376 Active CORPORATION AUTHORIZED FOR HIRE CORPORATION General Freight Metal Sheets / Coils / Rolls Paper Products Construction Based in ALTOONA, IA Grade A · 94
Brokers & shippers · booking check

No hard blockers on file

Authority and insurance signals look clear in our data. Still verify live on FMCSA SAFER / L&I before tendering a load.

Clear to review
Policy effective · Jan 1, 2008
On file
  • FMCSA cargo filing on file · BMC-34 FIREMAN'S FUND INSURANCE CO. · Filing evidence (BMC-34/83) — not a shipper COI Details →
  • 1 active operating authority
  • Insurance on file · $1,000,000 HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY · 91X Details →
  • BOC-3 process agent on file JOY B. FITZGERALD RESIDENT AGENT, INC. Details →
Org: CORPORATION
Cargo: General Freight, Metal Sheets / Coils / Rolls, Paper Products, Construction
Built for brokers and shippers deciding whether to tender. Always confirm on FMCSA SAFER and L&I before booking — TruckCodex mirrors public filings and can lag by up to a day.
Plain-text risk summary (print / paste) 
TruckCodex risk summary — MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD (USDOT 159376)
Verdict: CLEAR TO REVIEW
No hard blockers on file
Authority and insurance signals look clear in our data. Still verify live on FMCSA SAFER / L&I before tendering a load.

Authority / census status: Active
Active BIPD limit: $1,000,000
Organization: CORPORATION

Blockers:
  (none)

Cautions:
  (none)

On file:
  • FMCSA cargo filing on file · BMC-34 — FIREMAN'S FUND INSURANCE CO. · Filing evidence (BMC-34/83) — not a shipper COI
  • 1 active operating authority
  • Insurance on file · $1,000,000 — HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY · 91X
  • BOC-3 process agent on file — JOY B. FITZGERALD RESIDENT AGENT, INC.

Source: https://truckcodex.com/usdot/159376/
As of: Jul 20, 2026
Always confirm on FMCSA SAFER and L&I before tendering — TruckCodex mirrors public filings and can lag by up to a day.
TruckCodex · compliance grade

Compliance grade A

Composite of 4/5 scored components (mean 94/100). Expand for per-signal evidence. Heuristic — not an FMCSA rating or legal advice.

A confidence 80% · 4/5 signals
Authority / census
Active · 100/100

Active census status with no OOS order or revoked authority on file.

Insurance / BIPD
BIPD active · 100/100

Active BIPD/Primary-like policy on file in our insurance history.

OOS vs peers
On par with peers · 75/100

Driver OOS 0% vs peer median 0% (neutral). Vehicle OOS 0% vs peer median 0% (neutral). n=144059 same-size ACTIVE peers.

FMCSA safety rating
Unrated

FMCSA has not assigned this carrier a formal safety rating. We do not invent one.

NR reason: No published FMCSA safety_rating.

Insurance-watch tier
Not on watch · 100/100

No BMC-91 insurance-lapse watch classification on file for this USDOT.

TruckCodex compliance grade from authority, BIPD, peer OOS, FMCSA safety rating, and insurance-watch signals. Not legal advice. See methodology. Booking triage on this page: Clear to review.

Recent changes

Daily change log ↓
  • Physical street 1420 11TH AVENUE NE → 1420 11TH AVE NE · Jul 20, 2026 · FMCSA Company Census
Operating authority
Insurance

1 active liability policy · 1 cargo filing

BOC-3 agent

JOY B. FITZGERALD RESIDENT AGENT, INC.

Company profile

Company details
USDOT 159376
In FMCSA records since May 16, 2026
MC / docket MC210093
Entity CORPORATION
Business org CORPORATION
Operation AUTHORIZED FOR HIRE
Cargo carried
General Freight, Metal Sheets / Coils / Rolls, Paper Products, Construction
Fleet size 7 units
Drivers 7
Annual mileage 224,000 mi
Contact & address
Phone: (515) 244-2123
Email: [email protected]
Physical
1420 11TH AVENUE NE
ALTOONA, IA 50009
Mailing
PO BOX 555
ALTOONA, IA 50009-0555
Registration & safety rating
USDOT 159376
In FMCSA records since May 16, 2026
Entity CORPORATION
Operation AUTHORIZED FOR HIRE
Annual mileage (MCS-150) 224,000 mi
vs. National Average
Vehicle OOS Rate 0.0% vs 23.4% -23.4 pts
Driver OOS Rate 0.0% vs 6.7% -6.7 pts
Peer tier (small fleets (≤10 power units)) median OOS rate: 50%
Active liability insurance
FMCSA cargo filing (BMC-34/83)

FMCSA L&I filing evidence — not a shipper certificate of insurance (COI). Cargo (BMC-34) is primarily an HHG / household-goods requirement; general freight carriers often have none.

Related filings

Fleet details (MCS-150)

Vehicle type Owned Term leased Trip leased
Truck tractors 0 5 0
Trailers 6 3 0
Trucks 2 0 0

Self-reported on the carrier’s Form MCS-150 (FMCSA Company Census).

Power Units
7
Drivers
7
Inspections
1
FMCSA roadside history on file
OOS Rate (peak)
—
Crashes
6
None in last 24 months · all-time on file
Authorities
1
1 active
Carrier analysis & narrative context SEO summary, status notes, AI overview, and safety profiles

MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD is a corporation based in ALTOONA, IA, registered with the FMCSA under USDOT 159376. The carrier is currently active in FMCSA's records, and has not yet received a formal FMCSA safety rating. MCS-150 self-reporting puts the fleet at 7 power units and 7 drivers, with 1 roadside inspection on file. Use this page to verify the carrier's authority and insurance, review its inspection and crash history, and cross-reference live data on FMCSA SAFER before booking a load or onboarding a partner.

Carrier is unrated

FMCSA has not assigned this carrier a formal safety rating. Use the inspection history and BASIC scores below to assess on-road performance.

Carrier overview

MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD is a small fleet, operating 7 power units and 7 drivers, organized as a corporation, based in Altoona, IA. FMCSA records show no inspection or crash activity in the last 24 months. BIPD/Primary insurance is on file with AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS MUTUAL INSURANCE CO., and operating authority is active for contract and common.

Inspection profile

No roadside inspections were recorded in the last 24 months, down from 1 in the prior 24-month window.

Fleet profile

The fleet comprises 7 power units (small fleet); 7 drivers.

Out-of-Service rate vs same-size peers FMCSA roadside inspections, % placed out-of-service

Compared against 144,059 ACTIVE carriers operating 3–11 power units (±50% of this carrier's 7 unit fleet).

This carrier — Driver OOS
0%
Drivers placed out-of-service at roadside inspections
Peer median
0%
Median across 144,059 same-size peers
Verdict
On par with peers
Delta 0 pts vs peer median (lower is safer)
This carrier — Vehicle OOS
0%
Vehicles placed out-of-service at roadside inspections
Peer median
0%
Median across 144,059 same-size peers
Verdict
On par with peers
Delta 0 pts vs peer median (lower is safer)

Fleet History

Sourced from FMCSA daily imports; field-level change log. 1 tracked change on record. · 1 address change

Record Changes

    • Physical street 1420 11TH AVENUE NE 1420 11TH AVE NE
      Seen 38 times · first Jun 12, 2026 · last Jul 20, 2026 Not reflected on current profile FMCSA Company Census
Vehicle Fleet Top makes and models observed in roadside inspections
Make Model Inspections
International 1
Wabash National 1
SMS BASIC Scores FMCSA Safety Measurement System per-BASIC scores
BASIC Inspections Serious Measure Percentile Alert As Of
Driver Fitness 0 — 0.00 0 — Jul 20, 2026
Controlled Substances / Alcohol 0 — 0.00 0 — Jul 20, 2026
Hours of Service 0 — 0.00 0 — Jul 20, 2026
Unsafe Driving 0 — 0.00 0 — Jul 20, 2026
Vehicle Maintenance 0 — 0.00 0 — Jul 20, 2026

Higher percentiles indicate worse performance relative to peer carriers. Carriers at or above the FMCSA intervention threshold are marked ALERT.

Recent Inspections (1 row) View all 1 →
Inspection # Date ▼ State Level Station Vehicle Violations Top Codes OOS
80161410 Nov 9, 2023 IA 2 ia-01---i80-wb-mm-151-mitchellvil
INTERNATIONAL TRUCK TRACTOR
IA FB9389 · 3HSDZTZRXLN623493
0 — No
Recent Crashes (6 rows)
Report # Date ▼ State Fatalities Injuries Tow Hazmat Severity
IA1901140354 Oct 21, 2019 IA 0 0 Yes No Tow
IA1801064789 Aug 28, 2018 IA 0 1 Yes No Injury
IA1300774431 Dec 18, 2013 IA 0 0 Yes No Tow
IA2005231812 Jul 12, 2005 IA 0 2 Yes No Injury
IA2004234149 Jul 1, 2004 IA 0 1 Yes No Injury
IA2001044868 Aug 17, 2001 IA 0 1 Yes No Injury
Authority Records (1 docket)
common
MC210093
Active
—
View full authority record →
Insurance Coverage Timeline (10 rows)

Every insurance policy on file, newest effective date first. Amber rows mark BIPD/Primary coverage gaps.

Insurer Policy # Type Limit Effective Cancel Status
HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY 91UENOD2021 91X $1,000,000 Jan 1, 2008 On file ACTIVE
FIREMAN'S FUND INSURANCE CO. MZI97707791 34 — Jan 1, 2008 On file ACTIVE
AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS MUTUAL INSURANCE CO. F3Y 004 363-00 BIPD/Primary — May 31, 2001 Jan 1, 2008 REPLACED
AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS MUTUAL INSURANCE CO. F3Y 004 363-00 BIPD/Primary — May 31, 2001 May 15, 2008 CANCELLED
TRAVELERS PROPERTY CASUALTY CO. OF AMERICA QT660140D9092TIL99 CARGO — May 31, 1999 Jan 1, 2008 REPLACED
TRAVELERS PROPERTY CASUALTY CO. OF AMERICA QT660140D9092TIL99 CARGO — May 31, 1999 Dec 4, 2008 CANCELLED
UNITED STATES FIDELITY & GUARANTY CO. 660-107X4650 CARGO — Mar 1, 1995 May 31, 1999 REPLACED
TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY 810380K4373IND95 BIPD/Primary — Mar 1, 1995 Jul 27, 2001 CANCELLED
UNITED STATES FIDELITY & GUARANTY CO. 9CP 136820618 00 CARGO — May 31, 1994 Mar 1, 1995 REPLACED
CONTINENTAL WESTERN INSURANCE CO. 9KX19 BIPD/Primary — May 31, 1994 Apr 2, 1995 CANCELLED
Compliance Timeline Merged authority / insurance / enforcement events
  1. Dec 4, 2008
    insurance
    TERM/CANCL — TRAVELERS PROPERTY CASUALTY CO. OF AMERICA
  2. Nov 21, 2008
    authority
    DISCONTINUED REVOCATION — COMMON
    Details →
  3. May 15, 2008
    insurance
    TERM/CANCL — AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.
  4. May 5, 2008
    authority
    DISCONTINUED REVOCATION — CONTRACT
    Details →
  5. Jan 1, 2008
    insurance
    TERM/REPL — AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS MUTUAL INSURANCE CO.
  6. Jan 1, 2008
    insurance
    TERM/REPL — TRAVELERS PROPERTY CASUALTY CO. OF AMERICA
  7. Nov 22, 2005
    authority
    DISCONTINUED REVOCATION — COMMON
    Details →
  8. Jul 27, 2001
    insurance
    CANCEL — TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY
  9. May 31, 1999
    insurance
    TERM/REPL — UNITED STATES FIDELITY & GUARANTY CO.
  10. May 3, 1995
    authority
    DISCONTINUED REVOCATION — CONTRACT
    Details →
  11. Apr 2, 1995
    insurance
    CANCEL — CONTINENTAL WESTERN INSURANCE CO.
  12. Mar 1, 1995
    insurance
    TERM/REPL — UNITED STATES FIDELITY & GUARANTY CO.
  13. Sep 17, 1991
    authority
    GRANTED — MOTOR PROPERTY CONTRACT CARRIER
    Details →
Related Records Cross-references to every adjacent page
Directory
Authority Records
Insurance Carriers
Process Agent (BOC-3)
Carrier Records
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Explainers

How to verify MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD

  1. Verify USDOT and MC numbers match the carrier's documents. Compare the USDOT number and MC docket on this page to the numbers on the carrier's invoice, rate confirmation, or load-board listing. A mismatch between the carrier's claimed numbers and the registered legal name is the single most common red flag.
  2. Check active operating authority and insurance status. Confirm the Authority Records show at least one ACTIVE docket for the type of operation you're booking, and that the Active Insurance card lists a current BIPD/Primary policy. A revoked authority or uninsured carrier cannot legally operate.
  3. Review safety rating and SMS BASIC scores. Check the carrier's FMCSA safety rating (if any) and the SMS BASIC table. A high percentile in any BASIC category — especially Unsafe Driving, HOS, or Vehicle Maintenance — is worth investigating before tendering a load.
  4. Examine inspection and crash history. Open the Inspection History and Crash History subpages for the full record. Look for patterns: repeat OOS findings on the same unit, multiple crashes in a short window, or violations clustered in one BASIC category.
  5. Cross-reference real-time data with FMCSA SAFER. For the most current snapshot — within 24 hours of any insurer filing or authority change — click through to the FMCSA SAFER lookup. TruckCodex mirrors SAFER and L&I daily; SAFER itself reflects filings within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions about MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD

Is MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD an active motor carrier? ▾
Yes. MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD is registered with the FMCSA under USDOT 159376 and is currently shown as Active in the agency's Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). Active status means the carrier may legally operate, contingent on continuous insurance and authority filings.
What is MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD's safety rating? ▾
MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD is unrated. FMCSA assigns formal safety ratings only after a compliance review, and the agency has not yet completed one for this carrier. Being unrated is not by itself a red flag — most active carriers in the database are unrated. Review the inspection and BASIC data below to assess on-road performance.
How many inspections has MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD had? ▾
1 roadside inspection are on file for MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD in FMCSA's MCMIS database. Each inspection is summarized in the Inspection History section below — sortable by date, state, level, and out-of-service result. Newer inspections are pulled from the FMCSA SMS data feed daily.
What is MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD's out-of-service rate? ▾
MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD has no out-of-service findings on its inspection record. Across 1 inspection, no driver or vehicle has been placed out of service — a clean record relative to the national averages of roughly 6.7% (driver) and 23.4% (vehicle).
Where is MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD based? ▾
MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD reports its physical address to the FMCSA as 1420 11TH AVENUE NE, ALTOONA, Iowa 50009. Carriers must file a Form MCS-150 every two years to keep their address current; an outdated address is a common compliance flag.
Does MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD have valid operating authority? ▾
Yes. MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD holds 1 active FMCSA operating authority (MC210093). Each docket appears in the Authority Records section below with its full event history. Active authority means the carrier may legally operate as a for-hire carrier, contingent on current insurance and BOC-3 process-agent filings.
How many trucks and drivers does MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD operate? ▾
MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD self-reports 7 power units and 7 drivers on its most recent FMCSA Form MCS-150 filing. Power-unit and driver counts come from the carrier directly and are required to be updated every two years; very large fluctuations between filings can indicate fleet changes worth investigating.
Has MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD had any crashes? ▾
6 FMCSA-reportable crashes are on file for MERCHANTS DISTRIBUTION SERVICE LTD in MCMIS. A reportable crash is one resulting in a fatality, an injury requiring transport for medical attention, or a vehicle disabled and towed from the scene. The full crash log is on the Crashes subpage with date, state, and outcome details.

About FMCSA carrier records

Every commercial motor carrier operating in the United States is required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and obtain a USDOT number. The USDOT number is a permanent, unique identifier — once assigned, it stays with the carrier for life and is never reissued to another company. Carriers must update their registration every two years on Form MCS-150 to keep their address, fleet size, and operating data current.

Carrier safety data lives in FMCSA's Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS): roadside inspections, crashes, out-of-service findings, and the seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) that make up the SMS scoring methodology. For-hire carriers must also hold operating authority — an MC, FF, or MX docket number — which is separate from the USDOT number and requires continuous insurance and BOC-3 process-agent filings to remain active.

TruckCodex mirrors FMCSA's public SAFER and L&I systems on a daily refresh cycle. Every record on this page reflects what FMCSA has on file. We do not edit or modify carrier data — for real-time confirmation immediately before a transaction, click through to the FMCSA SAFER lookup linked in the related records section above. Safety ratings, when present, come from formal compliance reviews; most active carriers have not been reviewed and are correctly listed as unrated.

Data sources & freshness

TruckCodex aggregates official public-sector datasets. See the Source registry for dataset-level coverage and the Freshness log for last-import timestamps.

FMCSA

Census, SAFER, SMS, Licensing & Insurance (L&I), roadside inspections, crashes, and authority history.

Refreshed daily.
NHTSA

Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).

Refreshed daily.
EIA

Retail diesel and gasoline price history and state fuel-tax tables.

Refreshed weekly.
Transport Canada

Cross-border carrier registry and Canadian recall campaigns where applicable.

Refreshed weekly.

TruckCodex is an independent aggregator; it is not affiliated with FMCSA, NHTSA, EIA, or Transport Canada. Always verify compliance-critical information directly with the originating agency.