CSA – Compliance, Safety and Accountability
CSA is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicles. It gathers data from roadside inspections and compiles scores in seven BASICs. These scores are updated monthly and are used to compare performance between motor carriers. Below are some examples of the types of violations that pertain to each BASIC.
Unsafe Driving
Reckless driving, speeding, improper lane change, seatbelt
Hours of Service Compliance
11 and 14 Hour Rule, Log Not Current, Driving while ill or fatigued, 30 Minute Break, Form and Manner
Driver Fitness
Driving a CMV while not medically certified, lack of a valid CDL
Controlled Substances/Alcohol
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possession of illegal drugs
Vehicle Maintenance
Mechanical defects, brakes, lights, load securement
Hazmat Materials Compliance
Improper hazardous material handling, dropped or spilled cargo
Crash Indicator
This category compiles information about crash histories.
In the past, flatbed carriers with a history of safety violations received “compliance reviews,” but responses were not always prompt. The result: Safety ratings were quickly outdated. Today, both drivers and carriers are responsible for adhering to measurable safety behaviors. Driver violations are reported to carriers quickly, and carriers receive monthly safety scores. Both flatbed drivers and carriers are subject to penalties for failing to correct safety issues over time.
Keeping our CSA scores compliant is integral to the continued success of our flatbed company. Compliance is everyone’s job. Please offer your thoughts below on how you stay compliant.