The CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) program is one created by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) in order to hold motor carriers and drivers accountable for their role in safety. By identifying carriers that present the greatest safety risks and helping these carriers improve their safety measures, the point-based system monitors safety performance. Those not in compliance with CSA measures are subject to warning letters, and eventually, investigations to prevent any further safety hazards.
CSA scores are determined by the number of safety violations, the severity of the violations, date, the number of trucks the carrier operates, and the number of miles traveled from the vehicle. This information is further broken down into the 7 Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs). The BASICs are unsafe driving, crash indicator, hours-of-service compliance, vehicle maintenance, controlled substances and alcohol, hazardous material compliance, and driver fitness.
The BASICs information is collected from FMCSA’s Safety Management System (SMS). SMS uses data to form the CSA scores from roadside inspections, crash reports, and investigations from the last two years. Updated monthly, this tool allows carriers to be grouped and ranked in order to analyze their safety performance and need for intervention.
Each factor affects CSA scores differently, depending on how recently the violations occurred and how severe the violation is. The fleets are ultimately compared with other fleets that have similar counts of crashes, inspections and violations, and they’re given ratings from 0 to 100. Given a fleet’s particular rating, they’re able to tell where they stand with FMCSA and where they can improve.
FMCSA takes safety records very seriously. Low CSA scores can lead to an investigation, and possibly, out-of-service orders that prevent companies from operating. However, with high CSA scores companies may attract more customers, have fewer DOT audits, roadside inspections, and lower insurance premiums. Overall, adherence to safety requirements benefits all and ensures that companies are operating safely.
Steps We’re Taking to Improve Our Score
Our safety performance is directly reflected in our CSA scores. The US Transport commitment to safety is demonstrated through our in-cab cameras, modern fleet maintained with preventative maintenance programs, and choice to hire the best of the best.
Our team is driven by safety excellence, and they’re recognized for their safe behavior on and off the road. We promote and endorse our drivers for yearly and monthly industry awards in recognition of their professionalism. Our drivers have even been recipients of The Colorado Motor Carrier Yearly Safety Awards, recognizing drivers based on their safe driving records, acts of courtesy or safety on the highway, or for performing a heroic deed.
At US Transport, we continuously strive to improve our safety performance by closely monitoring our scores to eliminate crashes and unsafe behavior. Ensure your project runs smoothly. Partner with us today! Learn more.
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