TERRELL, Texas — Federal regulators say a trucking company linked to a crash that killed five people in Terrell is now at risk of being shut down.

A U.S. Department of Transportation spokesperson told WFAA that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration had completed a compliance inspection of Hope Trans, LLC on Aug. 15 and three days later issued the company a proposed “unsatisfactory safety” rating.

“FMCSA’s action would take the carrier out of service and off the road if substantial corrective actions are not taken immediately,” the statement said.

FMCSA uses a three-tier system for carriers: satisfactory, conditional, and unsatisfactory. A proposed rating is not an enforcement action on its own. But if an unsatisfactory rating becomes final, the carrier must cease operations.

FMCSA “is committed to holding unsafe carriers accountable to protect American families on our roadways,” the statement said. 

The statement came in response to WFAA’s questions regarding what, if any, enforcement actions the agency planned to take with regard to Hope Trans LLC. 

The statement said Hope Trans’ proposed rating was based on four violations found in the inspection:

• Using a driver before obtaining a negative pre-employment drug test result

• Failing to conduct post-accident alcohol testing following a crash

• Operating a commercial vehicle that had not been periodically inspected

• Maintaining a vehicle out-of-service rate of 46.2%

Hope Trans has 60 days from the Aug. 18 notice to submit a corrective action plan that the agency finds acceptable. If FMCSA rejects the plan—or no plan is filed—the unsatisfactory rating would take effect, forcing the company off the road.

The proposed rating comes less than two months after a Hope Trans driver hauling U.S. mail lost control of an 18-wheeler on Interstate 20 in Terrell on June 28. Investigators said the driver admitted he fell asleep at the wheel before veering into stopped traffic, killing five people.

The driver was cited for seven violations at the scene, including driving beyond federal hours-of-service limits. The driver faces manslaughter and aggravated assault indictments in connection with the crash. He remains in the Kaufman County jail. 

Investigators also determined that the truck’s registration, or “cab card,” was falsified. A company official has been indicted, but not yet taken into custody.  

FMCSA said other parts of its investigation remain ongoing and that it has requested access to former drivers.

The move comes as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FMCSA say they are stepping up efforts to target “bad actors” in the industry. Regulators have also pointed to stepped-up enforcement of English language proficiency requirements for drivers and a nationwide audit of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses.