If you’re managing a fleet, you’ve likely heard the term “CSA score” thrown around. But what does it really mean for your company and your drivers? Here’s a quick breakdown — from your legal team at Drivers Legal Plan® — of what you need to know about CSA scoring.
CSA stands for Compliance, Safety, Accountability. It’s a safety measurement tool used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to track the safety performance of drivers and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) carriers operating on U.S. highways. Note that while CSA data tracks driver performance, the drivers do not receive the CSA score. The score is assigned to carriers. Of course, if you are an owner-operator, your driving habits directly impact your company’s CSA score.
At first glance, CSA scoring may seem like a compliance hassle. But it could be an opportunity for you to show your current drivers and job applicants that you care about driver safety. A good CSA score (as close to 0% as possible) can also help you reduce your chances of a DOT audit and lower your insurance premiums.
CSA scores are calculated through the Safety Measurement System (SMS), which pulls together two years’ worth of driver performance data, including:
Each violation is assigned a severity weight, meaning more serious and recent offenses count more against the CSA score. Carriers are then ranked in percentiles compared to other carriers in the same category. A lower percentile indicates a better driver performance (closer to 0%), while a higher percentile indicates a higher risk (closer to 100%).
The FMCSA evaluates driving safety through seven categories of driver performance data called Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories, or BASICs. These are:
Covers reckless behavior like speeding, improper lane changes, no seatbelts, or using a mobile device while driving.
Tracks whether drivers follow federal limits on driving time and whether they’re being honest on their logbooks.
Flags issues like worn-out brakes, faulty lights, bald tires, or unsecured loads and penalizes carriers for failing to make required repairs.
Ensures that drivers meet key requirements such as having a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and up-to-date medical certification to determine if they’re fit to operate a CMV.
Focuses on violations related to drug and alcohol use behind the wheel. This covers any use or possession of controlled substances.
Applies to carriers transporting HAZMAT, including failure to properly label hazardous materials, secure packaging and containers to prevent leaks, and related unsafe handling practices.
This internal-only category evaluates how often your company is involved in crashes and the severity of those crashes, along with details of your driver’s direct involvement.
Your CSA score matters because it impacts your company’s bottom line. A high CSA score is a red flag that can:
However, a strong CSA score demonstrates your company’s commitment to keeping our nation’s roads safe and differentiates your company from competing carriers. For drivers applying for jobs at your company, a strong CSA score says your company cares about driver safety.
For fleets and safety managers, keeping your CSA score in check isn’t just about compliance — it’s about protecting your bottom line. This is where Driver’s Legal Plan® can help. Our legal team works directly with your drivers to challenge and reduce the impact of moving violations, helping to preserve your CSA score and keep your company in good standing.
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