A trucking company with a history of safety violations, White Hawk Carriers Inc., is under investigation after being linked to a fatal Florida Turnpike crash in Fort Pierce that resulted in three deaths. The incident has raised concerns about the company’s compliance with federal and state regulations, shining a spotlight on trucking safety in Port St. Lucie and the wider Treasure Coast, especially in light of recent fatal crash investigations on Interstate 95 in PSL.
White Hawk Carriers and the Fatal Turnpike Crash
The deadly crash occurred on August 12, 2025, on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce. Authorities say the driver, Harjinder Singh, is accused of causing the collision that killed three people. The crash has prompted state officials, including Governor Ron DeSantis, to call for a thorough investigation into White Hawk Carriers and its safety practices.
Company’s Safety Record Under Scrutiny
Transportation expert James Lewis reviewed federal records and found White Hawk Carriers had accumulated more than 80 violations over the past two years. The company operated a small fleet of just eight trucks but faced repeated inspections and enforcement actions, similar to other incidents like the tragic loss of a motorcyclist’s life in an I-95 accident in Port St. Lucie.
According to Lewis, White Hawk Carriers had:
- 47 vehicle inspections, with 11 trucks (23.4%) placed out of service for major violations
- 67 driver inspections, with 9 drivers (13.4%) placed out of service
- Multiple violations in categories such as unsafe driving, hours-of-service, and driver qualifications
Federal and State Investigations Initiated
Governor DeSantis stated that the state would investigate both the driver and the trucking company. Federal authorities have also taken action. On the day of the crash, the U.S. Department of Transportation downgraded White Hawk Carriers’ credentials, restricting its operations to California only.
“Ironically, on the date of this crash that truck should not have been in Florida or any other state except for California,” said Lewis, referencing the company’s restricted status.
Violations Linked to Unsafe Driving and Driver Logs
White Hawk Carriers’ record includes:
- 9 violations for unsafe driving
- 19 hours-of-service violations, including 10 false driver log reports
- 3 instances of drivers operating beyond allowed hours
- Drivers caught with suspended Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs)
- Drivers lacking proper license endorsements, such as air brake restrictions
- At least one driver operating while disqualified by the Department of Transportation
Lewis described driving while disqualified as a “huge” violation and noted a pattern of speeding and other safety issues among company drivers, which echoes the dangers highlighted when fatal accidents on I-95 South halted traffic in Port St. Lucie.
Driver Qualifications and English Proficiency Concerns
The driver involved in the crash, Harjinder Singh, is expected to be extradited to Florida and faces three counts of vehicular homicide. Federal investigators revealed that Singh failed both an English language test and a road sign exam, raising questions about the company’s hiring and vetting process.
English proficiency is a requirement for obtaining a CDL, but enforcement of this rule has fluctuated over the years. The Department of Transportation only began reemphasizing the English proficiency requirement in May 2025 after a period of relaxed enforcement.
Company Closure and Unanswered Questions
Attempts to contact White Hawk Carriers for comment were unsuccessful. The company is now listed as “permanently closed” online. The closure leaves many questions about oversight and accountability in the trucking industry, especially for companies operating in and around Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County.
Impact on Port St. Lucie and Treasure Coast Road Safety
This incident has brought renewed attention to road safety and commercial trucking standards in Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast. Local authorities and residents are calling for stronger enforcement of regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
State and federal investigations are ongoing, with officials seeking to determine how a company with such a significant violation history was able to operate outside its permitted area and employ drivers who failed basic qualification tests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Troubled Trucking Firm Turnpike Crash
What happened in the Fort Pierce Turnpike crash involving White Hawk Carriers?
A semi-truck operated by White Hawk Carriers was involved in a fatal crash on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce, resulting in three deaths. The driver, Harjinder Singh, faces vehicular homicide charges.
How many violations did White Hawk Carriers have before the crash?
White Hawk Carriers accumulated more than 80 violations over two years, including unsafe driving, hours-of-service issues, and driver qualification problems.
Are trucking companies in Port St. Lucie regularly inspected for safety?
Yes, commercial trucking firms in Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County are subject to regular inspections by state and federal agencies such as the Florida Department of Transportation. These inspections check for compliance with safety, driver, and vehicle regulations.
Can a trucking company operate in Florida if restricted to another state?
No, if a trucking company is restricted to operate only in a specific state, such as California, it cannot legally run trucks in Florida or other states. Violating this restriction can lead to serious penalties.
Where can I find more information about trucking safety violations in PSL?
Information about trucking safety violations in Port St. Lucie can be found through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation websites.
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