> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: /docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Interpret carrier data and source evidence

> Keep Census status, authority status, insurance observations, date bases and source freshness distinct when reporting TruckerFetch carrier research.

TruckerFetch publishes carrier, authority and insurance evidence with separate source meanings. Preserve those distinctions when you display a profile, qualify a carrier or explain an assistant result.

## Keep status and time separate

| Fact | Interpretation |
| - | - |
| Census status | The carrier's reported Census status. It is distinct from operating authority and insurance status. |
| First observed | When TruckerFetch first observed a record in the relevant published data. It does not establish when the business began. |
| Authority status | A published authority observation tied to a resolved carrier, docket and authority type. |
| Insurance filing | An observed filing with its independently supported dates. It does not establish a policy expiration unless that fact is supported. |
| Source freshness | The as-of and publication metadata for the source family used by the result. Different families can have different dates. |

The latest published edition can have an earlier calendar date during a source delay. Report the returned date instead of labeling it as today's data.

## Preserve identifiers and evidence

Treat USDOT identifiers and docket numbers as strings. Retain docket prefixes and the returned authority type. Review a carrier's authorities before following one specific authority in a watchlist.

Use an evidence ID returned with an authorized fact to retrieve its redacted source reference through `GET /evidence/{id}`. Evidence follows your current data and insurance permissions.

## Contacts and date confidence

Reported contact availability does not guarantee deliverability or reachability. Follow account suppressions and applicable outreach requirements in your own workflow.

For insurance timing, retain the explicit `date_basis` and supporting evidence. Read [renewal research](/docs/guides/renewals.md) before labeling any result as an expiration or renewal opportunity. Missing or unknown facts should remain unknown in your output.


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