CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC
USDOT 1796126 • 1000 SHORELINE DR, HOUGHTON LAKE, MI, 48629
Overview
Company profile from FMCSA Census File
Risk Signals1 flagged
Signals are auto-detected from FMCSA public records. This is not a regulatory determination.
Authority & Insurance
Operating authority, insurance filings, and BOC-3 status
Operating Authority
| Authority Type | Docket # | Status | Original Date | Final Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contract Carrier | MC-653932 | REVOKED | Oct 23, 2012 | Oct 23, 2012 |
Active Insurance (2)
| Insurer | Type | Policy # | Status | Effective | Cancel Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACUITY, A MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY | BIPD/Primary | CA-X23961 | ON FILE | Oct 23, 2012 | Aug 21, 2016 |
| PROGRESSIVE MICHIGAN INSURANCE COMPANY | CARGO | CA 6567585 | ON FILE | Aug 22, 2008 | Oct 16, 2009 |
Insurance History (4 canceled/expired)
| Insurer | Type | Policy # | Status | Effective | Cancel Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACUITY, A MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY | BIPD/Primary | CA-X23961 | NAME CHANGED | Aug 21, 2011 | Oct 23, 2012 |
| GREAT WEST CASUALTY CO. | BIPD/Primary | GWP65102A | CANCELLED | Aug 21, 2009 | Sep 26, 2011 |
| GREAT WEST CASUALTY CO. | BIPD/Primary | GWP65102A | REPLACED | Aug 21, 2009 | Aug 21, 2011 |
| PROGRESSIVE MICHIGAN INSURANCE COMPANY | BIPD/Primary | CA 6567585 | REPLACED | Aug 21, 2008 | Aug 21, 2009 |
Insurance Events Timeline
| Event | Insurer | Policy # | Type | Event Date | Cancel Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TERM/REPL | ACUITY, A MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY | CA-X23961 | BIPD/Primary | Aug 21, 2016 | Aug 21, 2016 |
| NAMECHG | ACUITY, A MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY | CA-X23961 | BIPD/Primary | Oct 23, 2012 | Oct 23, 2012 |
| TERM/CANCL | GREAT WEST CASUALTY CO. | GWP65102A | BIPD/Primary | Sep 26, 2011 | Sep 26, 2011 |
| TERM/REPL | GREAT WEST CASUALTY CO. | GWP65102A | BIPD/Primary | Aug 21, 2011 | Aug 21, 2011 |
| CANCEL | PROGRESSIVE MICHIGAN INSURANCE COMPANY | CA 6567585 | CARGO | Oct 16, 2009 | Oct 16, 2009 |
| TERM/REPL | PROGRESSIVE MICHIGAN INSURANCE COMPANY | CA 6567585 | BIPD/Primary | Aug 21, 2009 | Aug 21, 2009 |
Authority Revocations
| Authority | Docket | Reason | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CONTRACT | MC-653932 | INVOLUNTARY REVOCATION | Unknown |
Authority Action History (2 events)
| Docket | Authority Type | Original Action | Served Date | Disposition | Decided Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC653932 | MOTOR PROPERTY CONTRACT CARRIER | REINSTATED | Oct 30, 2012 | — | Unknown |
| MC653932 | MOTOR PROPERTY CONTRACT CARRIER | GRANTED | Aug 27, 2008 | REVOKED | Oct 23, 2012 |
Safety & Inspections
SMS BASIC scores, inspection history, and out-of-service rates
SMS BASIC Scores
Higher percentile = worse safety performance relative to peers. Scores at or above 75% trigger FMCSA alerts.
Inspection Activity (24 months)
Monthly inspection counts with OOS months highlighted. Hover bars for details.
Inspection Activity Map
17 states • 107 inspections
Violation Summary (190 violations from latest 100 of 107 inspections)
| Code | Description | # Violations | # OOS | Severity Wt | BASIC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMCSR:392.2 | Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued | 41 | 0 | 8 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:393.9(a) | Inoperable required lamps | 14 | 2 | 3 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.47(e) | Slack adjuster defective | 7 | 0 | 7 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLLEWG3 | Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued | 5 | 0 | 8 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:395.8(e)(1) | 395.8(e)(1) | 5 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:393.53(b) | Steering system components worn | 5 | 0 | 7 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLLTL | Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued | 4 | 0 | 8 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:393.45D-B | Brake tubing/hoses inadequate | 4 | 0 | 7 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.207(f) | Air suspension pressure loss | 4 | 4 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.55E-B | Coupling device/towing methods defective | 3 | 0 | 8 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLLEWA1 | Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued | 3 | 0 | 8 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLLEWA2 | Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued | 3 | 0 | 8 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:393.75(g) | 393.75(g) | 3 | 3 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.55(e) | Coupling device/towing methods defective | 3 | 0 | 8 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:396.3(a)(1) | Inspection/repair/maintenance - general | 3 | 2 | 5 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLLS2 | Speeding 6-10 mph over limit | 2 | 0 | 5 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:393.75A3-TAOL | Tires - All others leaking or inflation less than 50% of the maximum inflation pressure on tire not equipped with ATIS | 2 | 2 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:395.24D-ELDPT | HOS (ELD) - On request by an authorized safety official a driver must produce and transfer from an ELD the driver's hours of service records in accordance with t | 2 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:393.60D | Glazing/window obstructions | 2 | 0 | 4 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLLS1 | Speeding 1-5 mph over limit | 2 | 0 | 3 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:393.95(f) | Emergency Equipment - Stopped vehicle warning devices missing or improper | 2 | 0 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.120(d)(1) | Cargo securement - metal coils | 2 | 2 | 7 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:392.16(a) | Failing to use seat belt (49 CFR) | 2 | 0 | 3 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:393.9 | Inoperable Required Lamp | 2 | 0 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.95(a) | Emergency equipment - fire extinguisher missing/defective | 2 | 0 | 5 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:395.30B1-ELDDFR | HOS (ELD) - Driver failing to review records and certify the accuracy of the information. | 2 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:395.11(g) | Failing to provide supporting documents in the driver's possession upon request | 2 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:395.22(h)(2) | Driver failing to maintain ELD instruction sheet | 2 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:393.120(b)(1) | Cargo securement - metal coils | 2 | 2 | 7 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLLIRP | Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued | 1 | 0 | 8 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLLIFTA | Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued | 1 | 0 | 8 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:395.8K2-HOSP | HOS (Property) - Failing to have in possession RODS for the previous seven consecutive days and available for inspection while on duty | 1 | 1 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:395.8A1-HOSP | HOS (Property) - Failing to have a record of duty status using the method prescribed | 1 | 1 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:393.11A1-LSLMWR | Lighting devices/reflectors | 1 | 1 | 3 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.9B-LRLIWR | Lighting - Tail lamp - Both lamps on rearmost vehicle inoperative when required to be on | 1 | 1 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.9A-LSLI | Inoperable required lamps | 1 | 0 | 3 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.9A-LTSIR | Inoperable required lamps | 1 | 0 | 3 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:395.8A | Failing to keep RODS | 1 | 0 | 7 | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:392.82DUMT | Texting while driving | 1 | 0 | 10 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:395.8D2-HOSF | 395.8D2-HOSF | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLLEWPB | Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued | 1 | 0 | 8 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLLTCD | Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued | 1 | 0 | 8 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLL | Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued | 1 | 0 | 8 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:393.60C | Glazing/window obstructions | 1 | 0 | 4 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:396.3A1-BALAC | Brake - Audible air leak from a brake chamber | 1 | 0 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.23-LEU | Lighting - All electrical systems on towed vehicle(s) inoperative due to no electrical connection (e.g. unplugged or loose pigtail) | 1 | 1 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.75C-TAOTD-LT2/32 | Tire tread depth insufficient (other axles) | 1 | 0 | 5 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.9A-LRLI | Inoperable required lamps | 1 | 0 | 3 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.11A1-CSURR | Lighting devices/reflectors | 1 | 0 | 3 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:396.3A1-BNMH | Brake - Non-manufactured hole or crack in the spring brake housing section of a parking brake | 1 | 1 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:396.9D2-FTF | Failing to correct the violation(s)/defect(s) noted on the roadside inspection report | 1 | 0 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.9A-LIL | Inoperable required lamps | 1 | 0 | 3 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.75A3 | Tire-flat and/or audible air leak | 1 | 1 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:392.2-SLLEWG1 | Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued | 1 | 0 | 8 | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:395.15(i)(9) | Driver not adequately trained in the operation of the automatic on-board recording device | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:393.45(d) | Brake tubing/hoses inadequate | 1 | 0 | 7 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.11 | Lighting devices/reflectors | 1 | 0 | 3 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.78 | Windshield condition defective | 1 | 0 | 4 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.11(a)(1) | Lighting devices/reflectors | 1 | 0 | 3 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.75(a)(3) | Tire-flat and/or audible air leak | 1 | 1 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:395.22(g) | Portable ELD not mounted in a fixed position and visible to driver | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:395.24D | ELD cannot transfer ELD records electronically | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:393.11TU | Lighting devices/reflectors | 1 | 0 | 3 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:395.22H1-ELDNUM | HOS (ELD) - In-Vehicle Information - No user's manual for the driver describing how to operate the ELD. (May be electronic) | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:395.22H2-ELDNISDT | HOS (ELD) Driver failing to have instruction sheet describing the data transfer mechanisms supported by the ELD and step-by-step instructions for the driver to pr | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:395.22H3-ELDMF | HOS (ELD) - In-Vehicle Information - Failing to have an instruction sheet for the driver describing ELD malfunction reporting requirements and recordkeeping proce | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:395.24(c)(2)(ii) | Driver failed to manually add the trailer number | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:395.24(c)(2)(iii) | Driver failed to manually add shipping document number | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:395.22(h)(1) | Driver failing to maintain ELD user's manual | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:393.55D1-B | Coupling device/towing methods defective | 1 | 0 | 8 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.45B2-B | Brake tubing/hoses inadequate | 1 | 0 | 7 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.55D2-B | Coupling device/towing methods defective | 1 | 0 | 8 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.53B-B | Steering system components worn | 1 | 0 | 7 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:396.5B-L | Fuel system leak | 1 | 0 | 7 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.104(f)(3) | Cargo securement - tiedown damaged | 1 | 0 | 6 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:396.5(b) | Fuel system leak | 1 | 0 | 7 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.13(d)(1) | Improper Side Placement of retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflective material as required for vehicles manufactured before December 1993 | 1 | 0 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.25(e) | Lamps on rear of CMV obscured by load | 1 | 0 | 3 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:393.13(c)(1) | No Side retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflective material as required for vehicles manufactured before December 1993 | 1 | 0 | — | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:383.23(a)(2) | CDL - wrong class | 1 | 1 | 8 | Driver Fitness |
| FMCSR:392.9(a)(2) | Failing to secure vehicle equipment | 1 | 1 | — | Unsafe Driving |
| FMCSR:393.209(d) | Wheel fasteners loose/missing | 1 | 1 | 8 | Vehicle Maintenance |
| FMCSR:395.8 | Record of Duty Status violation (general/form and manner) | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
| FMCSR:395.24(d) | ELD cannot transfer ELD records electronically | 1 | 0 | — | Hours Of Service |
Peer Context
This carrier vs national averages. Lower is better for all metrics.
National averages: vehicle OOS 23.4%, driver OOS 6.7%, violations per inspection ~1.8. Based on FMCSA MCSAP program data.
Inspection History (107 inspections)
Showing 50 of 107
Inspection analytics
Monthly cadence, frequent stations, and violation mix
Inspections per month (24 mo)
Most frequent inspection stations
Violations by BASIC category
Recent Crashes
25 crash records from FMCSA Crash File
Crash History (25 records)
| Date | State | Severity | Fatalities | Injuries | City | Location | VIN | Carrier Name at Crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2, 2025 | MI | INJURY | 0 | 3 | KOCHVILLE TWP | N I 675 | ...417565 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Aug 3, 2025 | MI | INJURY | 0 | 1 | FLINT TWP | I75 | ...138741 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Jul 8, 2025 | FL | TOW | 0 | 0 | UNINCORPORATED | INTERSTATE 10 MM 167 | ...X17953 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Sep 19, 2024 | MI | TOW | 0 | 0 | GRAYLING TWP | S I 75 | ...656387 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Jul 16, 2024 | KY | TOW | 0 | 0 | MORNING VIEW | I 0075 | ...390146 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| May 23, 2024 | PA | TOW | 0 | 0 | SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP | INTERSTATE 0090 E | ...386764 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Apr 30, 2024 | IN | TOW | 0 | 0 | CLARKSVILLE(CLARK) | INTERSTATE 65 | ...417565 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Mar 4, 2024 | MI | TOW | 0 | 0 | FLINT TWP | I-75 | ...386764 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Aug 9, 2023 | PA | TOW | 0 | 0 | DONEGAL TOWNSHIP | INTERSTATE 6000 W | ...861284 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Jan 8, 2023 | FL | TOW | 0 | 0 | UNINCORPORATED H.C. | WOODBERRY RD | ...482558 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Dec 10, 2021 | MI | TOW | 0 | 0 | ELLIS TWP | I 75 | ...390152 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Oct 7, 2021 | GA | TOW | 0 | 0 | ATLANTA | I-285 SOUTH CASCADE RD | ...G28977 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Aug 31, 2021 | MI | FATAL | 1 | 1 | HIGGINS TWP | M 18 | ...482558 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Apr 30, 2021 | MI | TOW | 0 | 0 | Eaton Twp | I 69 | ...365818 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Apr 1, 2021 | IN | TOW | 0 | 0 | INDIANAPOLIS | I-65 NB 105.1 MM | ...455749 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Feb 4, 2021 | VA | TOW | 0 | 0 | — | ROUTE 608 | ...330019 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Jan 26, 2021 | IN | TOW | 0 | 0 | HAMMOND | Interstate 80 | ...482558 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Jan 25, 2021 | IL | TOW | 0 | 0 | DALE TWP | I-55 | ...889441 | CHRIS HELMS TRANSPORTATION INC |
| Feb 11, 2020 | KY | INJURY | 0 | 4 | — | — | — | — |
| Sep 4, 2019 | IN | TOW | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — |
| May 13, 2019 | IN | INJURY | 0 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| Oct 20, 2018 | WV | TOW | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — |
| Apr 17, 2018 | MI | TOW | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — |
| Feb 24, 2018 | KY | INJURY | 0 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| Oct 20, 2017 | IN | INJURY | 0 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
Compliance Timeline
32 events merged from authority, insurance, enforcement, OOS, crash, MCS-150, and safety rating records
Showing most recent 25 of 32 events