CSA Score
A safety measurement system that tracks carrier and driver safety performance.
Definition
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) is FMCSA's safety measurement system that quantifies carrier and driver safety performance using data from roadside inspections, crash reports, and investigation results. Scores are calculated across seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs). High CSA scores can trigger FMCSA interventions and affect a carrier's ability to operate. Drivers should monitor their Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report.
Why it matters to you
CSA scores belong to the carrier, but drivers feed them. Violations you pick up at a roadside inspection attach to the company's record and can decide whether it keeps a contract. That is why safety departments react to what looks like a minor logbook or lighting write-up. A carrier with poor scores also draws more inspections, which means more of your day spent stationary.
FAQ
What does CSA Score mean?
A safety measurement system that tracks carrier and driver safety performance.
Why does CSA Score matter to a driver?
CSA scores belong to the carrier, but drivers feed them. Violations you pick up at a roadside inspection attach to the company's record and can decide whether it keeps a contract. That is why safety departments react to what looks like a minor logbook or lighting write-up. A carrier with poor scores also draws more inspections, which means more of your day spent stationary.
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Related Terms
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
The federal agency that regulates the trucking industry.
DOT Inspection
A roadside safety inspection conducted by federal or state enforcement officers.
PSP Report (Pre-Employment Screening Program)
An FMCSA report showing a driver's crash and inspection history.