Transport Safety Editor — J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
Learn more about what makes a CSA BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category) score.
Written by:
Kathy Close
Transport Safety Editor — J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.
ACSA BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category) score is a percentile ranking used to compare a motor carrier against its peers to assist in identify high-risk carriers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) generates CSA BASIC scores for the following seven categories:
The FMCSA uses a motor carrier’s safety data that is transmitted by state and federal enforcement to the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS). The past two years’ worth of roadside inspection and crash reports contain critical data elements used in CSA’s elaborate algorithms.
The algorithms provide carriers with a “measure” for each BASIC, taking into consideration:
This BASIC measure is then compared against similar motor carriers for the percentile ranking. The rank is on a scale of 1-100, with 100 being the worst-performing. This percentile ranking is the carrier’s BASIC score.
Those motor carriers that exceed a predetermined threshold for an individual BASIC score are subject to an intervention by the FMCSA.
Interventions include:
The intervention taken by the FMCSA is not sequential. If a carrier has multiple BASICs exceeding the thresholds and/or scores close to 100 percent, the agency will probably go straight to an investigation. A carrier can only be placed out of service based on the results of a comprehensive investigation since it contains elements of a compliance review.
The data used in the CSA formulas are only used for 24 months. As a result, you can only lower your CSA scores over time, by accumulating recent, violation-free inspections, and by avoiding crashes.
To improve its performance data, you should:
You should use this information to come up with a safety plan to avoid future violations and crashes. If the safety performance does not improve, you'll have to re-evaluate its findings (find the real root cause) and apply another remedy until the issue is resolved.
To view your CSA scores and data, log into the CSA Safety Measurement System website using your DOT number and the carrier-assigned PIN that is used to update your DOT registration (MCS-150).
You may also enjoy the following articles:
We'll help you stay on top of regulations, best practices, and fleet industry news. Sign up to receive a monthly email notification with links to our most recent blog articles, free resources, and event invites.