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Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)

FMCSA's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program — formerly Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA 2010) — scores carriers and drivers on seven Behavior Analysis Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs). BASIC scores are meant to identify poor safety performers, who are then subject to interventions by FMCSA.

The most recent CSA SMS Methodology (opens a new window) was published in October 2023.

J. J. Keller offers the widest selection of accurate, up-to-date CSA compliance tools and services, created by the industry's most experienced regulatory experts.

Topics — What You Need to Know

FMCSA routinely updates its Safety Measurement System (SMS) Methodology. The methodology was last updated in December 2021.

Motor carrier and driver safety performance are rated in seven different Behavioral Analysis Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) in the CSA SMS:

Click on the links above to learn about each BASIC and see related solutions. Or, see solutions that apply to all seven BASICs.

Based on BASIC CSA scores, FMCSA determines what (if any) interventions are taken against the carrier based on predetermined thresholds. Carriers evaluated as needing interventions are subject to a variety of actions depending on their BASIC scores and enforcement history. The interventions include the following:

  • Warning letter
  • Increased roadside enforcement
  • Focused off-site investigation
  • Focused on-site investigation
  • Cooperative safety plan
  • Notice of violation
  • Comprehensive on-site investigation
  • Notice of claim, penalty, and settlement agreement

Learn more about interventions.

The remaining step in the CSA enforcement model is rulemaking to revise the current safety rating process. FMCSA proposes to replace the current Compliance Review Model (acute and critical violations) with the CSA Safety Fitness Determination (SFD). The SFD model takes into consideration both roadside inspection data and intervention history. The SFD process would not require a compliance review to determine a motor carrier's CSA rating or declare a carrier unfit.

The Safety Management Cycle (SMC) is a model that systematically assesses your company's safety management practices and makes improvements where necessary.

According to the FMCSA, safety can be achieved within your organization by putting this model in place. In fact, the agency trained 1000+ Federal and State Partner employees on this improved investigative process.

The SMC moves beyond identifying what the safety violation is to why the safety performance issue is occurring so motor carriers can develop or refine policies, practices and operations to improve their safety performance and CSA scores.

Under the Safety Management Cycle, you develop processes that incorporate safety into every aspect of your operation. Because of this, use of the model may also improve your motor carrier's bottom line.

Get more details on the Safety Management Cycle.

Essential CSA Solutions

Our unparalleled range of products can help you provide drivers and supervisors with the tools they need to comply with the Compliance, Safety and Accountability requirements. You'll always get the most accurate and dependable solutions, because they are backed by our team of in-house safety and compliance experts.

CSA Training Programs

Give your drivers the training they need on CSA and the seven BASICs. Several formats available.

CSA Handbook: A Complete Guide for CMV Drivers

Provides an essential on-the-road reference for all your drivers on critical CSA issues.

DOT Enforcement Essentials

Your complete guide to CSA, successful roadside inspections and positive safety evaluations.

CSA Performance Suite

Affordable outsource service helps you proactively monitor your intervention risk.

J. J. Keller® Encompass® with ELogs Fleet Management System

The industry's most simple, flexible and affordable electronic log solution helps with Hours of Service BASIC performance.

DOT Safety & Compliance Program

J. J. Keller experts can provide program administration, safety assessments, policy development, training and more.

Hours of Service Management Service

Compliance guidance based on critical data from ELDs, Paper Logs, and Time Sheets.

More Compliance, Safety, Accountability Solutions

Browse more J. J. Keller solutions to help you address your CSA rating and the seven BASICs, and improve your CSA scores.