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.
What is the new TIFIA plan to make infrastructure financing easier in the U.S.?
The Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) aims to modernize roads across the country. From now on, all types of eligible projects will be able to finance up to 49% of their costs, a significant increase from the previous cap of 33% for most cases.
Top fleet manager’s concerns: safety, compliance, and cost control
The J.J. Keller Center for Market Insights recently published a study on the top concerns of today’s fleet managers. The J.J. Keller Center for Market
NRII temporary exemption granted by the FMCSA
The FMCSA announced on July 14 an exemption to the new NRII rule to facilitate the transition. On June 23, the U.S. Department of Transportation
Flash Floods Shut Down U.S. Roads: Infrastructure Fails Amid Extreme Weather
A violent storm slammed the U.S. Northeast on the night of Monday, July 14, triggering devastating flash floods across New York and New Jersey
Grand Canyon Lodge Burned Down Amid Ongoing Southern U.S. Flood Recovery
The United States is facing a summer kickoff marked by simultaneous emergencies. In the West, wildfires have forced the full closure of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Meanwhile, in the South and parts of the East, widespread flooding has submerged highways, closed key transport corridors, and left entire communities under water. The combined impact is putting pressure on logistics systems, disrupting both tourism and the movement of goods and services.
Road rage spikes during summer: beware and be safe
Stress behind the wheel, combined with extreme heat that makes us more irritable, can lead to more than just frustration: it can trigger road rage.
Business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. California time