Llame al (888) 572-7520 para hablar con un agente
Enviar mensaje a un agente
Each violation recorded during a CSA inspection adds points in various key areas, which impact the driver’s record.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implements the program known as Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) as its main tool to monitor the safety performance of drivers and carriers in the United States.
This score measures the safety behavior of commercial drivers. Under the CSA system, violations and accidents are evaluated with the goal of identifying high-risk operators and ensuring safe operation on the roads. Each violation recorded during a CSA inspection adds points in various key areas, which impact the driver’s record.
CSA BASIC Categories
The CSA system is based on seven categories that FMCSA labels as BASICs (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories). These categories are divided as follows:
- Unsafe Driving: speeding, reckless driving, improper lane changes.
- Crash Indicator: history of preventable crashes.
- Hours of Service (HOS) Compliance: violations related to allowable driving time.
- Vehicle Maintenance: inspection failures, defective brakes, worn tires.
- Controlled Substances and Alcohol: drug or alcohol use violations.
- Hazardous Materials Compliance: errors in handling and labeling hazardous materials.
- Driver Fitness: issues with licenses, training, or medical certifications.
Each category receives a score from 1 to 10 based on the severity and frequency of violations.
Why is the CSA Score Important?
A CSA violation is not just a minor administrative error. It has significant consequences that can affect drivers in the following ways:
- PSP Record (Pre-Employment Screening Program): reviewed by potential employers.
- Impacts the company’s safety score: which can lead to more inspections or loss of contracts.
- May increase insurance rates or trigger audits by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
A single serious violation can have negative effects lasting up to three years.
How to Check Your CSA Score
Checking your CSA score is simple through the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) website. To access:
- Go to the SMS portal.
- Log in using your U.S. DOT number and PIN.
- Review your company’s score and the details related to your safety record.
Strategies to Improve Your CSA Score
Improving this score requires a coordinated effort between drivers and fleet managers. Key strategies include:
- Regular maintenance and preventive vehicle inspections.
- Ongoing driver training on road safety and current regulations.
- Implementation of technology to monitor driver behavior and vehicle condition in real time.
Maintaining a favorable CSA score not only protects your company’s reputation but also contributes to overall road safety.
Dangerous Roads: Massive Indiana Crash Involving More Than 10 Semi Trucks Raises Red Flags
Dangerous winter roads, truck accidents, multi-vehicle pile-ups, and low visibility are back in the spotlight after a major crash in Indiana. A pile-up involving more than 30 vehicles, including at least 10 semi trucks, left several people injured and reignited the debate over how to drive safely on snow- and ice-covered highways.
Jerome Powell under investigation as tensions between Trump and the Fed escalate
The investigation into Powell has raised global concerns over a potential threat to the independence of the U.S. central bank. In the new episode of
Road Alert: 25 States Under Extreme Driving Conditions
Road Alert: 25 States Under Extreme Driving Conditions
Snow, ice, strong winds, and low visibility are keeping major highways under active travel advisories. The alert now affects 25 states and calls for extra caution, especially among truck drivers and freight carriers operating along key corridors.
Human Trafficking: A Nationwide Call to Action on America’s Roads
Human trafficking is the focus of a nationwide awareness week aimed at educating truck drivers, motor carriers, law enforcement, and the public about human trafficking, how to spot the warning signs, and what to do if someone may be in danger.
TAA Compliance: When Safety Complaints Turn Into Six-Figure Losses
STAA compliance is no longer a technical detail for fleet owners—it is a financial, legal, and insurance exposure. A recent enforcement action in Texas shows how mishandling safety complaints can lead to termination claims, retaliation findings, and six-figure penalties, and what carriers must do to avoid becoming the next case
U.S. labor market raises red flags on Wall Street
The U.S. labor market closed 2025 with clear signs of weakening, as evidenced by the latest employment data released in December. In the latest episode
Business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. California time