Understanding Your FMCSA Safety Score
The FMCSA's Safety Measurement System (SMS) evaluates carriers using 7 Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs).
How SMS Works
SMS uses data from roadside inspections, crash reports, and investigation results to calculate percentile scores for each carrier in 7 BASICs. Scores range from 0 to 100, where higher percentiles indicate worse relative performance compared to peer carriers.
Carriers are grouped by safety event type (number of inspections) and compared against similar-sized carriers. Violations are weighted by time (more recent = higher weight) and severity.
When a carrier exceeds an intervention threshold, FMCSA may issue a warning letter, conduct a compliance investigation, or initiate enforcement action.
The 7 BASICs
Speeding, reckless driving, improper lane change, failure to use seatbelt, and cell phone use.
Time and severity weighted
Operating beyond HOS limits, falsifying logs, and failing to keep records of duty status.
Time and severity weighted
Operating without a valid CDL, medical certificate, or required endorsements.
Time and severity weighted
Positive drug/alcohol tests, refusal to test, and violations of controlled substance regulations.
Time and severity weighted
Brake, lighting, and other mechanical defects found during inspections.
Time and severity weighted
Improper placarding, loading, containment, and documentation for hazmat shipments.
Time and severity weighted
History of state-reported crashes including severity (fatal, injury, tow-away).
Time and severity weighted
How to Improve Your Score
- Fix vehicle defects before inspections (pre-trip checks)
- Ensure all drivers have current CDLs and medical cards
- Implement ELD compliance and HOS training
- Challenge incorrect violations through DataQs
- Request a compliance review if scores improve
Key Facts
- Data window: 24 months of inspections and crashes
- Updated monthly by FMCSA
- Peer groups based on number of safety events
- More recent violations weighted more heavily
- Only carriers with sufficient data receive percentiles