If you’re managing a commercial fleet in the U.S., chances are you’ve heard of CSA scores. But how well do you really understand what they mean, how they work, and what you can do to influence them?
This guide breaks down the essentials of CSA scores and offers practical steps your fleet can take to improve safety, reduce violations, and protect your reputation—and your bottom line.
What are CSA scores?
CSA stands for Compliance, Safety, Accountability — a safety program developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to identify high-risk motor carriers and drivers.
The CSA program uses data from roadside inspections, crash reports, investigation results, and motor carrier self-reporting (including the MCS-150 form).
At the heart of the CSA program is the Safety Measurement System (SMS), which calculates scores across seven categories known as BASICs (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories):
- Unsafe driving
- Hours of service (HOS) compliance
- Driver fitness
- Controlled substances/alcohol
- Vehicle maintenance
- Hazardous materials compliance (if applicable)
- Crash indicator
Each category reflects a percentile score, based on your fleet’s performance relative to other carriers of similar size. A higher percentile score means worse performance.
Why CSA scores matter
Your CSA score is more than just a number — it’s a reflection of your fleet’s safety and compliance profile. High CSA scores can result in:
- More DOT audits and interventions
- Higher insurance premiums
- Loss of business (customers may check your CSA profile)
- Ineligibility for contracts that require safety benchmarks
On the flip side, a good CSA score has the opposite effect and can be a competitive advantage—helping to reduce insurance premiums, increase business opportunities, and demonstrate your commitment to safety. Plus, it helps to reduce regulatory scrutiny.
What impacts your CSA score?
The FMCSA updates CSA scores monthly using a rolling 24-month window of data. This means your score is based on safety violations and crash information from the most recent two years. Each month, data older than 24 months is removed and replaced with the latest information, so your score always reflects your current safety performance.
- The number and severity of violations
- How recent the violations were
- Frequency of roadside inspections
- The size of your fleet (larger fleets have more inspections, which can balance out isolated issues)
For example, repeated violations for defective brakes or lighting issues will hurt your vehicle maintenance BASIC, while HOS violations will impact your hours of service score.
How to improve your CSA score
Improving your CSA score is all about building a culture of safety, accountability, and proactive fleet management. Here are five practical strategies you can apply today:
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Prioritize preventive maintenance
Many violations stem from preventable vehicle issues like worn tires, faulty lights, or brake defects. Implement regular pre- and post-trip inspections, schedule maintenance based on mileage or engine hours, and track issues through a digital system.
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Train and monitor drivers
Drivers are your front line. Invest in regular training and upskilling for safe driving practices, HOS compliance, and inspection readiness. Use dash cams and GPS tracking to monitor driver behavior, use the data gathered to coach in real time, and reduce incidents like speeding or harsh braking.
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Stay on top of HOS compliance
Hours of service violations are a leading cause of poor CSA scores. Use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to automate tracking and identify patterns of non-compliance. Alert drivers before they exceed their limits and coach repeat offenders.
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Review inspection reports and address violations
Every roadside inspection counts. Regularly review your reports, challenge incorrect violations, and ensure any issues are resolved quickly. A documented correction process can demonstrate your commitment to compliance.
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Keep your MCS-150 up to date
An outdated or inaccurate MCS-150 form can skew your safety profile by inflating your mileage or underreporting your fleet size. This affects how your scores are calculated, potentially making your fleet look worse than it is. Review and update your MCS-150 at least every two years.
How CameraMatics can help
At CameraMatics, we help fleets like yours take control of their CSA scores by improving visibility, safety, and compliance. Our all-in-one video telematics and fleet management platform provides:
- Real-time vehicle health monitoring
- Driver behavior insights with integrated driver coaching
- Interactive digital checklists for pre- and post-trip inspections
- Automated compliance tracking including HOS
- Dash cam footage for exoneration and evidence
By tackling risk at the source, we help you reduce violations, prevent accidents, and make informed decisions that protect your business.
Proactive fleet management drives better CSA scores
CSA scores are more than just a compliance metric—they’re a reflection of how well your fleet is managed. Understanding the components of your CSA profile, addressing the root causes of violations, and using smart technology to monitor and improve performance can make a real difference.
Don’t wait for a DOT audit or a spike in insurance costs to act. Start making data-driven improvements today.
Want to learn more about how CameraMatics supports safer, smarter fleets? Get in touch with us here.
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