Your CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores impact your career. Let’s break it down.
What is CSA?
The FMCSA CSA program measures carrier safety performance in 7 categories:
- Unsafe Driving - Speeding, reckless driving, seatbelt
- HOS Compliance - Log violations, driving tired
- Driver Fitness - License, medical cert issues
- Controlled Substances - Drug/alcohol violations
- Vehicle Maintenance - Brake, light, tire issues
- Hazmat Compliance - HazMat-specific violations
- Crash Indicator - Crash history
How Points Work
- Violations assigned severity points (1-10)
- Recent violations weighted more heavily
- Points decrease over 24 months
- Different thresholds by category
Who Sees Your Scores?
- Your carrier (always)
- FMCSA enforcement
- Insurance companies
- Some scores public, some private
Impact on Drivers
High CSA scores can mean:
- Harder to get hired
- Higher insurance costs for carriers
- More frequent inspections
- Potential audits
Checking Your Record
Drivers can check their PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program) record at psp.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Disputing Errors
If you find errors:
- Request DataQs review
- Provide documentation
- Process takes 30-60+ days
- Not all disputes successful
Protect your record - it follows you!
Need help with DOT compliance, background checks, or drug testing management? Vertical Identity can help you stay compliant and keep your drivers on the road.