How CSA Scores Impact Truck Drivers
While the CVSA doesn’t assign scores to individuals, a driver’s actions and performance significantly influence their carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores. These metrics are critical in the trucking industry.
Blueprint of CSA Scores
The FMCSA uses CSA scores to evaluate a motor carrier’s safety and compliance performance. The score is derived from data collected over the subsequent 24-month window. The compiled metrics include roadside inspections, accident reports, and violations.
The data is categorized into seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs).
(BASICs):
- Unsafe Driving
- Crash Indicator
- Hours of Service Compliance
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Controlled Substances/Alcohol
- HAZMAT Compliance
- Driver Fitness
Each category is scored on a percentile from 0 to 100, the lower the better. A score above 65% in Crash Indicator, Hours of Service, or Unsafe Driving can trigger FMCSA intervention.
Driver Impact
Though we don’t have an individual score, a commercial driver’s safety records are tracked through the FMCSA’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP). This program provides carriers with a driver’s 5-year crash and 3-year inspection history and will definitely influence a company’s hiring decisions. CSA scores also impact a carrier’s Inspection Severity Score (ISS). A higher ISS, which is directly tied to a company’s CSA scores, increase the likelihood of roadside inspections.
Duration of CSA Dings
The points will haunt us for a couple years. They are tracked on the driver’s PSP and the carrier’s CSA card for 24 months. This means that our actions can affect our employability and our carrier’s standing for two years after an incident.
Shoot for a Gold Star
Keep up with your maintenance, do thorough inspections, manage your HOS, and avoid traffic infractions. Our diligence and responsibility make for a safer world, ensure job security, and keep us from getting pulled in to the scale house every other day.
