CSA Score
A CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score is an FMCSA safety measurement system that grades carriers and drivers across seven categories called BASICs based on roadside inspection data, violation history, and crash reports. Higher scores indicate more safety risk.
In Depth
The seven BASIC categories are: Unsafe Driving, Hours of Service Compliance, Driver Fitness, Controlled Substances/Alcohol, Vehicle Maintenance, Hazardous Materials Compliance, and Crash Indicator. Each BASIC is scored 0–100, with scores above intervention thresholds (65–90 depending on category) triggering FMCSA investigation.
CSA scores directly affect a carrier's business. Brokers use CSA data to vet carriers — high scores can get carriers blacklisted from premium freight accounts. Insurance underwriters use CSA scores to set premiums: carriers with high unsafe driving scores can see insurance costs double.
Drivers accumulate violations that follow them when they move between carriers. Requesting a personal Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report from FMCSA shows the violations on your record.
Usage Example
Example: 'My carrier's Vehicle Maintenance BASIC hit 72 — above the threshold. We overhauled our pre-trip inspection process and improved to 44 within 6 months.'
Related Terms
FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the U.S. government agency that regulates commercial motor vehicles. It oversees driver licensing, vehicle safety standards, Hours of Service rules, and carrier authority.
DOT Number
A USDOT number is a unique identifier issued by the FMCSA to commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. It is used to track a carrier's safety information, inspections, crashes, and audits.
Pre-Trip Inspection
A pre-trip inspection is a mandatory walk-around inspection a commercial driver must complete before operating a vehicle. FMCSA requires drivers to inspect key components including brakes, lights, tires, steering, and mirrors and to certify the vehicle is in safe operating condition.
ELD (Electronic Logging Device)
An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a device connected to a commercial vehicle's engine that automatically records driving time and Hours of Service data, replacing paper logbooks. ELDs became mandatory for most interstate commercial carriers in December 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my CSA score?
Check carrier scores at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. For your personal driving record, order a PSP report at psp.fmcsa.dot.gov for $10.
What is a bad CSA score?
Scores above the intervention threshold vary by BASIC: Unsafe Driving (65+), HOS Compliance (65+), Vehicle Maintenance (80+). These trigger FMCSA scrutiny.