CSA Enforcement Program
FMCSA's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program — formerly known as Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA 2010) — is an enforcement initiative that scores carriers and drivers on seven Behavior Analysis Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs).
In December 2010, FMCSA replaced the SafeStat web portal with the new motor carrier Safety Measurement System (SMS) based on the new CSA Methodology for scoring motor carriers in the BASICs. FMCSA also implemented a revised Inspection Selection System (ISS) for roadside inspectors based on CSA's SMS.
BASIC scores are meant to identify poor safety performers. Such motor carriers will be subjected to one of the agency's interventions. This might include targeted roadside inspections (based on the ISS), a warning letter, or even a review of the carrier's compliance records via an off-site focused, onsite focused, or onsite comprehensive investigation.
FMCSA reported a 9% decrease in safety-based violations found at roadside inspections from 2010, illustrating that CSA is already meeting its objective to improve safety through increased compliance.
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.
CSA Model
Safety Measurement System (SMS) - Seven BASICs
Motor carrier and driver safety performance will be rated in seven different Behavioral Analysis Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) in the CSA Safety Measurement System (SMS). The seven BASICs are ...
Click on the links above to learn about each BASIC and see related solutions. Or, see solutions that apply to all seven BASICs.
In 2012, FMCSA intends to align violations included in SMS with CVSA inspection levels by eliminating vehicle violations that are derived from driver-only inspections and driver violations from vehicle-only inspections.
Interventions
Based on the BASIC scores, FMCSA determines what (if any) interventions the FMCSA will take against the carrier based on predetermined thresholds.
Carriers that have been evaluated as needing interventions will be subject to a variety of interventions. The specific intervention will depend on the carrier’s BASIC scores and enforcement history. The interventions include the following:
- Warning letter — view sample
- 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
Safety Rating
The remaining step in the CSA enforcement model is rulemaking to revise the current safety rating process. FMCSA is expected to issue a rule sometime in 2012 replacing 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 rating or declare a carrier unfit.
CSA Safety Management Cycle
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 recently 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.
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.
Essential CSA Solutions
CSA Resources
Articles & Information
Free Downloads
- CSA 2010: A Company Assessment PDF 516KB
- FMCSA Warning Letter Tipsheet PDF 414 KB
The Minnesota Trucking Association has created a DVD available for purchase entitled CSA 2010: The Pilot State Experience.
Visit their website now to learn more.