CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
Book with caution — review signals below
No hard OOS / revoked / uninsured blocker, but elevated risk signals need a human look before booking.
- OOS rate worse than size peers Driver and/or vehicle out-of-service rate is above the peer median.
- OOS rate better than size peers
Plain-text risk summary (print / paste)
TruckCodex risk summary — CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY (USDOT 1799691) Verdict: CAUTION Book with caution — review signals below No hard OOS / revoked / uninsured blocker, but elevated risk signals need a human look before booking. Authority / census status: Active Officer(s): JEFF KNIGHT (Company officer) Blockers: (none) Cautions: • OOS rate worse than size peers — Driver and/or vehicle out-of-service rate is above the peer median. On file: • OOS rate better than size peers Source: https://truckcodex.com/usdot/1799691/ As of: Jul 18, 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 B
Composite of 3/5 scored components (mean 80/100). Expand for per-signal evidence. Heuristic — not an FMCSA rating or legal advice.
B
confidence 60% · 3/5 signals
Compliance grade B
Composite of 3/5 scored components (mean 80/100). Expand for per-signal evidence. Heuristic — not an FMCSA rating or legal advice.
Active census status with no OOS order or revoked authority on file.
Insurance/BIPD signal not resolved for this carrier.
NR reason: No active policies and no uninsured flag to score against.
Driver OOS 0% vs peer median 1.4% (better). Vehicle OOS 57.1% vs peer median 18.4% (worse). n=9166 same-size ACTIVE peers.
FMCSA has not assigned this carrier a formal safety rating. We do not invent one.
NR reason: No published FMCSA safety_rating.
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: Caution.
No authority breakdown on file.
No active policies on file.
No BOC-3 filing on file.
Company profile
Fleet details (MCS-150)
| Vehicle type | Owned | Term leased | Trip leased |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck tractors | 66 | 41 | 0 |
| Trailers | 138 | 0 | 0 |
Self-reported on the carrier’s Form MCS-150 (FMCSA Company Census).
Accident reports (24 months)
All 25 crashes →| Last 6 months | 6–12 months | 12–24 months | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fatalities | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Injuries | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Tow-away | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Crash reports | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Reportable crashes from FMCSA MCMIS for the trailing 24 months. Counts may differ slightly from SAFER due to reporting lag.
Inspections (24 months)
All 56 inspections →| Driver | Vehicle | Hazmat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspections | 28 | 28 | 0 |
| OOS inspections | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| OOS percentage | 3.57% | 10.71% | — |
| National average | 6.67% | 22.26% | 4.44% |
Roadside inspections in the last 24 months. National averages are FMCSA MCSAP reference rates (driver ~6.7%, vehicle ~23.4%, hazmat ~4.4%).
Carrier analysis & narrative context SEO summary, status notes, AI overview, and safety profiles
CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY is a motor carrier based in KNOXVILLE, TN, registered with the FMCSA under USDOT 1799691. 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 107 power units and 144 drivers, with 56 roadside inspections on file and a peak out-of-service rate of 57.1%. 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.
CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY is a large fleet, operating 107 power units and 144 drivers, based in Knoxville, TN. Across 31 roadside inspections in the last 24 months, the fleet recorded a 12.9% out-of-service rate, with 2 reportable crashes. no operating authority record was located.
31 roadside inspections over the last 24 months, up 48% versus the prior 24 months, most heavily in TN (31 stops), with Level 3 inspections the most common.
12.9% out-of-service rate; led by Vehicle Maintenance (53.3% of violations); top code 393.75A3-TAOL (Tires - All others leaking or inflation less than 50% of the maximum inflation pressure on tire not equipped with ATIS) cited 3 times, 3 of them OOS.
The fleet comprises 107 power units (large fleet) and 144 drivers; Kenworth, Great Dane, and Freightliner are the most-inspected makes.
Risk Signals
Out-of-Service rate vs same-size peers FMCSA roadside inspections, % placed out-of-service
Compared against 9,166 ACTIVE carriers operating 53–161 power units (±50% of this carrier's 107 unit fleet).
Inspection Analytics Monthly activity · BASIC mix · state map
Monthly Inspection Activity (24 months)
Violations by BASIC Category
Activity by State
| State | Inspections | OOS | OOS % | Last Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (TN) | 28 | 4 | 14.3% | Jun 29, 2026 |
Vehicle Fleet Top makes and models observed in roadside inspections
| Make | Model | Inspections |
|---|---|---|
| Kenworth | 39 | |
| Great Dane | 34 | |
| Freightliner | 8 | |
| Wabash National | 3 | |
| Kensington | 2 | |
| W.F. Micke | 2 | |
| Hackney & | 1 |
SMS BASIC Scores FMCSA Safety Measurement System per-BASIC scores
| BASIC | Inspections | Serious | Measure | Percentile | Alert | As Of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Fitness | 2 | — | 1.06 | 1 | — | Jul 13, 2026 |
| Controlled Substances / Alcohol | 0 | — | 0.00 | 0 | — | Jul 13, 2026 |
| Hours of Service | 0 | — | 0.00 | 0 | — | Jul 13, 2026 |
| Unsafe Driving | 3 | — | 0.25 | 0 | — | Jul 13, 2026 |
| Vehicle Maintenance | 3 | — | 8.75 | 9 | — | Jul 13, 2026 |
Higher percentiles indicate worse performance relative to peer carriers. Carriers at or above the FMCSA intervention threshold are marked ALERT.
Recent Inspections (56 rows) View all 56 →
| Inspection # | Date ▼ | State | Level | Station | Vehicle | Violations | Top Codes | OOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88288071 | Jun 29, 2026 | TN | 3 | — |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 88175535 | Jun 16, 2026 | TN | 3 | — |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 88092195 | Jun 8, 2026 | TN | 3 | — |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 88036490 | Jun 2, 2026 | TN | 3 | — |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
2 | 392.2-LCDLR, 391.41APC | Yes |
| 86784976 | Jan 12, 2026 | TN | 3 | CELINA TN |
FREIGHTLINER TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 86526659 | Dec 8, 2025 | TN | 3 | FARRAGUT TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 86201795 | Oct 29, 2025 | TN | 3 | KNOXVILLE TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 85786943 | Sep 15, 2025 | TN | 1 | MOHAWK TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
5 | 396.3A1-BOS, 393.75A3-TAOL, 393.47E | Yes |
| 85264818 | Jul 18, 2025 | TN | 3 | OLIVER SPRINGS TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
1 | 392.16-D | No |
| 85252498 | Jul 16, 2025 | TN | 3 | KNOXVILLE TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
Ticket: Kensington
|
0 | — | No |
| 85173265 | Jun 30, 2025 | TN | 2 | MOHAWK TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
Ticket: Kensington
|
1 | 393.75A3-TAOL | Yes |
| 85108894 | Jun 30, 2025 | TN | 3 | MOHAWK TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
1 | 392.2-SLLTCD | No |
| 85007257 | Jun 20, 2025 | TN | 3 | KNOXVILLE TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 84893642 | Jun 6, 2025 | TN | 3 | KNOXVILLE TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 84631673 | May 8, 2025 | TN | 2 | KNOXVILLE TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
1 | 393.75A3-TAOL | Yes |
| 84251128 | Mar 26, 2025 | TN | 3 | CLEVELAND TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 84058127 | Mar 6, 2025 | TN | 2 | KNOXVILLE TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
1 | 392.2-SLLEWA1 | No |
| 83509653 | Dec 30, 2024 | TN | 2 | KNOX COUNTY SCALES WB |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 83477420 | Dec 24, 2024 | TN | 3 | KNOX COUNTY SCALES EB |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
1 | 392.2-SLLDL | No |
| 83335104 | Dec 6, 2024 | TN | 3 | FARRAGUT TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 83320251 | Dec 3, 2024 | TN | 3 | KNOXVILLE TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 83237504 | Nov 23, 2024 | TN | 3 | — |
FREIGHTLINER TRUCK TRACTOR
|
1 | 392.2-SLLS2 | No |
| 83200776 | Nov 18, 2024 | TN | 3 | KNOXVILLE TN |
KENWORTH TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 83101486 | Nov 5, 2024 | TN | 3 | — |
FREIGHTLINER TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
| 83063481 | Oct 31, 2024 | TN | 3 | BLOOMINGTON SPRINGS TN |
FREIGHTLINER TRUCK TRACTOR
|
0 | — | No |
Recent Crashes (25 rows)
| Report # | Date ▼ | State | Fatalities | Injuries | Tow | Hazmat | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TN0400211926 | Jan 24, 2025 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0400198964 | Dec 19, 2024 | TN | 0 | 1 | Yes | No | Injury |
| TN0300874362 | Mar 15, 2023 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0103406192 | Sep 2, 2022 | TN | 0 | 1 | Yes | No | Injury |
| TN0103342144 | Jun 28, 2022 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0103243341 | Mar 10, 2022 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0102786053 | Sep 9, 2020 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0102707453 | May 18, 2020 | TN | 0 | 1 | Yes | No | Injury |
| TN0300614110 | Mar 9, 2020 | TN | 0 | 1 | Yes | No | Injury |
| TN0102518882 | Sep 24, 2019 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0300547117 | Jun 19, 2019 | TN | 0 | 1 | Yes | No | Injury |
| TN0102261359 | Dec 28, 2018 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0102149167 | Sep 17, 2018 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0102137405 | Sep 5, 2018 | TN | 0 | 1 | Yes | No | Injury |
| TN0300430921 | Mar 20, 2018 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0300347396 | Apr 14, 2017 | TN | 0 | 1 | Yes | No | Injury |
| TN0101495847 | Dec 30, 2016 | TN | 0 | 2 | Yes | No | Injury |
| TN0101406496 | Oct 18, 2016 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0101393093 | Sep 29, 2016 | TN | 0 | 1 | Yes | No | Injury |
| TN0300210013 | Feb 20, 2015 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0300131894 | Jul 25, 2013 | TN | 0 | 0 | Yes | No | Tow |
| TN0100071381 | Jul 6, 2011 | TN | 0 | 3 | No | No | Injury |
| TN0009903640 | Apr 22, 2011 | TN | 0 | 1 | Yes | No | Injury |
| TN0900085182 | Mar 3, 2010 | TN | 0 | 1 | Yes | No | Injury |
| TN0010078843 | Mar 18, 2009 | TN | 0 | 1 | Yes | No | Injury |
Top Stations & Violation Codes Where this carrier gets inspected and what they get cited for
Most-Inspected Stations
| Station | State | Inspections | OOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNOXVILLE TN | TN | 14 | 2 |
| MOHAWK TN | TN | 4 | 2 |
| KNOX COUNTY SCALES EB | TN | 3 | 0 |
| CLEVELAND TN | TN | 2 | 0 |
| FARRAGUT TN | TN | 2 | 0 |
| KNOX COUNTY SCALES WB | TN | 2 | 0 |
| THP 5 I-81 GREENE SCALES | TN | 2 | 0 |
| BLOOMINGTON SPRINGS TN | TN | 1 | 0 |
| CELINA TN | TN | 1 | 0 |
| COOKEVILLE TN | TN | 1 | 0 |
Top Violation Codes Cited
| Code | Description | Category | Cited | OOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 392.2 | Violation of Local Laws - Explain: | Unsafe Driving | 5 | 0 |
| 393.75(a)(3) | Tire-flat and/or audible air leak | Vehicle Maintenance | 2 | 2 |
| 383.23(a)(2) | Operating a CMV without a CDL | Driver Fitness | 1 | 0 |
| 392.16(a) | Failing to use seat belt (49 CFR) | Unsafe Driving | 1 | 0 |
Related Records Cross-references to every adjacent page
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Tennessee carriers
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Knoxville carriers
Carriers based in Knoxville, TN
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Stations in Tennessee
Where this carrier might be inspected
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56 inspections
Full roadside inspection history
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25 reportable crashes
FMCSA MCMIS crash log
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Fleet recall search
NHTSA recalls covering this fleet's vehicle years/makes
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Open the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint form for this carrier
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How FMCSA safety ratings work
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FMCSA compliance filings guide
MCS-150, insurance, and authority filing requirements
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Roadside inspection rights
What drivers and carriers can expect during a stop
How to verify CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY
Is CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY an active motor carrier? ▾
What is CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY's safety rating? ▾
How many inspections has CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY had? ▾
What is CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY's out-of-service rate? ▾
Where is CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY based? ▾
Does CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY have valid operating authority? ▾
How many trucks and drivers does CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY operate? ▾
Has CHEROKEE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY had any crashes? ▾
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.
Census, SAFER, SMS, Licensing & Insurance (L&I), roadside inspections, crashes, and authority history.
Vehicle recall campaigns, defect investigations, and consumer safety complaints (SCRS).
Cross-border carrier registry and Canadian recall campaigns where applicable.
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.