CSA Score Improvement Strategies for Fleets

Understanding CSA and SMS Scores

The Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program uses the Safety Measurement System (SMS) to evaluate carrier performance across seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs). Each BASIC generates a percentile score from 0 to 100, where higher numbers indicate worse performance relative to peers. Exceeding the intervention threshold in any BASIC can trigger warning letters, investigations, or compliance reviews. For a full breakdown of how scores work, see our SMS score explainer.

The Seven BASICs and Improvement Priorities

1. Unsafe Driving

Covers speeding, reckless driving, improper lane change, and handheld device use. Improvement actions:

• Install and actively manage dash camera systems with coaching workflows
• Set governed speeds and monitor compliance through telematics
• Implement a driver scorecarding program that weights unsafe driving behaviors heavily
• Use progressive discipline for repeat offenders

2. Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance

Covers log violations, driving beyond allowed hours, and record-keeping failures. Improvement actions:

• Audit ELD records quarterly for unassigned segments and improper edits
• Train dispatch to respect HOS limits when assigning loads
• Monitor the 14-hour clock as aggressively as the 11-hour driving limit

3. Driver Fitness

Covers CDL, medical certificate, and driver qualification issues. Improvement actions:

• Automate medical certificate expiration tracking with 60-day advance alerts
• Verify CDL class and endorsements match the vehicle and cargo at hire and annually
• Conduct regular DQ file audits

4. Controlled Substances and Alcohol

Covers positive drug tests, refusals, and alcohol violations. Improvement actions:

• Maintain a robust random testing program exceeding minimum required rates
• Query the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse at hire and annually
• Train supervisors in reasonable-suspicion detection

5. Vehicle Maintenance

Covers brake, lighting, tire, and other equipment defects found during inspections. Improvement actions:

• Strengthen your preventive maintenance program with tighter PM intervals
• Focus on the top violation categories in your violation data: brakes, lights, and tires account for the majority of vehicle OOS conditions
• Conduct pre-trip inspection audits to ensure drivers are catching defects before inspectors do

6. Hazardous Materials Compliance

Applies only to hazmat carriers. Covers placarding, shipping papers, and package integrity.

7. Crash Indicator

Based on crash involvement weighted by severity. While you cannot control all crashes, you can:

• File DataQs challenges for crashes where your driver was not at fault and supporting documentation is available
• Invest in collision mitigation technology that prevents or reduces severity
• Train drivers on defensive driving and space management

Data-Driven Score Management

Effective CSA improvement requires continuous data monitoring:

1. Pull your SMS scores monthly from TruckCodes using the carrier search
2. Identify which specific violations carry the highest severity weights—not all violations impact your score equally
3. Review inspection results within 30 days of occurrence; challenge inaccurate records through DataQs
4. Track your BASIC percentile trend over 24 months to measure improvement trajectory

Building a CSA Improvement Plan

Create a written plan that assigns ownership, sets quarterly targets, and defines specific actions for each BASIC where your percentile exceeds 50%. Review progress monthly in a cross-functional meeting that includes safety, maintenance, driver management, and executive leadership. Tie your improvement plan into your broader safety culture initiatives for sustainable results.