September 9, 2026
When deciding which traffic control company to partner with, the decision may seem like an easy one. Most contractors will click the first result that comes up on Google, send in a form, and simply wait for a response. Others may just rely on word of mouth or companies that have worked for them in the past. The standard for traffic control across America is relatively the same, and the differences from one company to another may not seem too obvious at first glance.
Though the reality is, discrepancies do exist. Quality and best fit vary, and without knowing the difference, you may be risking your project with traffic control providers completely out of their element of experience or training, unknowingly putting the public and your crew members at risk.
Cut corners on safety, and the whole project can collapse. Traffic control companies must approach every work zone with careful attention to detail, taking on only the jobs that fall within their expertise. In this article, we’re covering the five questions to ask yourself when evaluating a traffic control company. By the end, you’ll know how to determine whether companies conduct licensed, appropriate, and trustworthy operations to support your project.
Are They Certified?
With such a high-risk job, proper certifications matter for traffic control. Visit the company you’re evaluating and make sure they’re ATSSA-certified for flagger, technician, and supervisor operations. If these aren’t displayed publicly, you can also ask on the phone or in person about these certifications.
The American Traffic Safety Services Association (or ATSSA) is the gold standard for training and certifications. It proves that companies understand and know how to implement MUTCD guidelines, which are the federal laws that govern the industry. Traffic control companies with these certifications can ensure quality in their operations, with ATSSA certifications also complying with the Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.
Simply put, when assessing properly trained companies and crew members, look for:
- ATSSA Traffic Control Technician (TCT) certification
- ATSSA Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) certification
- ATSSA Flagger certification
- Relevant ODOT-approved training and certifications
Where Are They Located?
Is the traffic control company you’re thinking about choosing near your project’s location? Working with companies that are outside your project area isn’t necessarily bad but can possibly raise questions about local road and traffic patterns, their ability to make adjustments, and even the cost of transporting required materials to and from the site.
If possible, look for traffic control companies that keep their scope in specific states, cities, and locations that are visible and close to your job site. These companies will have a deeper understanding of local traffic that’s unique to the area and tend to be quicker to respond on site if needed. For example, only a Cleveland local contractor would know that downtown is swamped during summer Guardians games, particularly weekdays from one to three o’clock. This knowledge might seem unrelated, but it’s often critical to choosing effective signage and the right equipment for each project.
What’s Their Reputation Like in the Area?
Reputation is harder to verify, though just as important to seek out. Since construction, utility, and traffic control industries can be largely word of mouth, reach out to a trusted contact or network and see if they have any experience with the traffic control company you’re evaluating. Some green and red flags may look like:
Green flags:
- Clear communication
- Fair, reasonable pricing
- Deep understanding of national, state, and local requirements
- Professionalism from start to finish
- Proven track record of success and safety
- Committed to improvement with equipment, crew members, etc
Red flags:
- Spotty communication and/or difficult to contact
- Pricing is unclear
- Training and knowledge of the field are vague
- Lack of professionalism
- Negative experience on job sites
- Outdated equipment
These can be obvious tells that can reveal the overall quality of a traffic control company. Make sure to keep an eye out for these details even after hiring.
Do They Have the Resources to Support Your Project?
Even if a traffic control company is reputable and properly certified, they may not be the right fit for your particular project. Some companies have smaller teams that can’t handle the scale of larger sites. Some may avoid night jobs. Some may not have 24/7 service or handle emergency situations with short turnaround rates.
When coordinating with traffic control specialists, make sure to verify specifics to make sure it’s not out of scope for certain companies. Find out their crew size and experience level if your project poses more difficult circumstances, like low visibility or upcoming inclement weather.
Are They Fully Committed to Safety?
Lastly, make sure your traffic control company, above all else, is committed to safety first.
Hopefully, all traffic control companies have this at the top of their priority list, though it shouldn’t just be in the form of words or a slogan. How are they advancing safety measures in the field? Are they going above and beyond to ensure each zone is done right? What’s the proof?
For example, Knudsen Safety Kontrols sets the standard higher by investing in body-worn cameras for each flagger. This way, no matter what happens on the field, proper accountability is always taken. Not only that, we’ve found the implementation of cameras helps our crew stay focused and thoroughly committed to safer sites.
Whether it be through communication practices, cameras, or extra certifications, look for ways that companies show their commitment to safe work zones. This displays not just an effort to improve their own sites but an effort to advance the industry as a whole with proven, secure practices.
Your Next Partner in Traffic Control
Looking for a traffic control provider in Ohio? Knudsen Safety Kontrols (KSK) is family-owned, ATSSA certified, and fully committed to safe and protected work zones across all projects. Whether you’re dealing with downed lines, full-scale utility projects, road construction, or even a local community event, we offer our flagging, MOT, and emergency services 24/7.
With KSK, we’ll get your project done right—the first time. Give us a call or fill out our contact form and receive a customized estimate today.