How to Check CSA Scores for Drivers?

Written By Andrew Brooks Published on January 14, 2025 FMCSA

Key Takeaways

Check their CSA scores by logging into the FMCSA SMS portal on the USDOT website using their USDOT number and PIN to review scores across safety categories.
CSA scores track how safe trucking companies are by looking at inspections, crash reports, and violations. Lower scores mean better safety.
Drivers don’t get individual CSA scores, but they can check their safety records through PSP reports to see violations linked to them.
To improve CSA scores, focus on using ELDs, doing pre-trip inspections, hiring safe drivers, using fleet management tools, and training drivers regularly.

What is a CSA Score?

The CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score is a safety rating used by the FMCSA to track how safe trucking companies and their drivers are. It’s based on things like inspections, crash reports, and violations.

This score is part of the CSA program, which helps make roads safer by reducing crashes. Companies get the scores, but driver actions can impact them directly.

Steps to Check CSA Scores for Drivers

Checking CSA scores is simple if you follow these steps. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Start by collecting the necessary details:

USDOT Number: This unique ID is assigned to your company or carrier by the FMCSA.
PIN: A personal identification number used to log into the FMCSA portal. If you don’t have one, request it from the FMCSA website.
Driver Information: Have details like the driver’s license number and issuing state for cross-referencing if needed.

Step 2: Log In to the FMCSA Portal

Go to the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) website to access your scores.

Visit the USDOT website.
Use your USDOT Number and PIN to log in.
If you don’t have a PIN, click the “Request a PIN” option on the website to set one up.

Step 3: Locate the CSA Scores Section

Once you’re logged in, find the section that displays your CSA scores:

Look for the “Company Profile” or “SMS Results” tab.
Your scores will be organized by the different safety categories, known as BASICs.
Explore specific violations or inspections using the tools provided on the site.

Step 4: Review the Data

Take a closer look at the details provided in your CSA scores:

Focus on Scores by BASICs Category: Identify areas where the scores are higher, indicating safety concerns.
Spot Trends: Look for recurring violations or patterns that need immediate attention.
Examine Inspection Records: Review each violation or roadside inspection to understand the severity and context.

Step 5: Save or Share the Report

If you need to analyze or share your data:

Download the report directly from the portal.
Use it to address problems, implement driver training, or improve vehicle maintenance.

By regularly checking your CSA scores and addressing issues, you can maintain compliance and improve safety on the road.

How Drivers Can Check Their Individual CSA Scores

Drivers cannot directly access their individual CSA scores, as the FMCSA assigns scores to carriers, not drivers. However, drivers can monitor their safety record through Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) reports.

Steps to Access PSP Reports

Visit the PSP website
Create an account if you don’t already have one.
Pay the nominal fee (usually around $10) to access your report.
Review the report for any violations or inspections linked to your record.

How Is a CSA Score Calculated?

A CSA score is calculated based on seven key safety areas, called BASICs (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories):

Unsafe Driving: Violations like speeding, distracted driving, or improper lane changes.
Crash Indicator: Tracks involvement in crashes, even if the driver wasn’t at fault.
Hours of Service (HOS) Compliance: Ensures drivers follow limits on driving hours to prevent fatigue. Know more about HOS rules.
Vehicle Maintenance: Covers issues like faulty brakes, tires, or other mechanical problems. Learn about fleet vehicle maintenance.
Controlled Substances/Alcohol: Includes violations for drug or alcohol use.
Hazardous Materials (HM) Compliance: Focuses on safely handling and transporting hazardous materials.

Parameters of a Good CSA Score

Enough of theory; let us talk in numbers. Unlike examinations, getting a 100 percentile is equivalent to the worst performance, and having a 0 is the best.

Categories	Score	Consequence
Unsafe driving, crashes, HOS violations	Greater than 65 percentile	FMCSA will intervene
Hazardous Materials	Greater than 50 percentile	Subject to investigations by the FMCSA
Fitness, neglected vehicle maintenance, impaired driving	Greater than 80 percentile	Considered low and subject to necessary actions by FMCSA
All categories	Less than 50 percentile	Eligible for good CSA score benefits

Benefits of a Good CSA Score

A good CSA score can make a big difference for carriers. Here’s how it helps:

Bringing in More Clients

Clients check a carrier’s CSA score before hiring because it’s public information. A good score shows you prioritize safety, making clients more likely to choose your company.

Lowering Insurance Costs

Insurance companies see carriers with good scores as less risky. This can lead to lower insurance premiums, saving you money.

Fewer Inspections

Carriers with good CSA scores have fewer roadside inspections and audits. A strong score shows you follow safety rules, so there’s less need for frequent checks.

Attracting Better Drivers

Drivers prefer to work for companies with good safety records. A good CSA score helps you hire responsible and experienced drivers.

Is There a Way to Improve CSA Scores?

Improving CSA scores is possible with a few simple steps. These methods can help reduce violations, ensure compliance, and make your fleet safer.

Use an electronic logging device (ELD)

An ELD tracks driving hours and vehicle data automatically. It helps you follow FMCSA regulations and prevents errors that lead to violations.

A trusted option like Matrack ELD is easy to install, reliable and allows you to monitor your data anytime. Using ELDs can simplify compliance and lower your CSA score.

Do Pre-Trip Inspections

Pre-trip inspections can catch common problems like broken lights, flat tires, or low air pressure. Fixing these issues early avoids violations and lowers the chances of a high CSA score.

For example, a broken light can add 2 to 6 points to your score. Regular checks and repairs make a big difference.

Hire Responsible Drivers

Good drivers can lower crash risks and out-of-service rates. Before hiring, check their PSP report for driving history and ensure they have strong communication and professional skills.

Drivers who handle inspections and paperwork properly help maintain a better safety record.

Use Fleet Management Tools

Fleet management software tracks driver behavior, vehicle maintenance, and compliance with just a few clicks. It helps you stay organized and ready for any regulation changes.

Choose a solution like Matrack for reliability, affordability, and ease of use. Innovative tools make improving CSA scores simpler and more efficient. Get Matrack’s Fleet GPS Tracker.

Train Your Drivers

Regular training programs teach safe driving practices and prevent aggressive or improper driving. These behaviors often lead to the highest penalties and violations.

Training your drivers improves safety and strengthens your reputation, making it easier to attract clients and top talent.

Conclusion

Commercial truck drivers and carriers need to maintain a good CSA score. This score shows how well they follow safety rules and how the score affects things like business opportunities and insurance costs.

By doing pre-trip inspections, hiring skilled drivers, using technology, and training drivers well, companies may improve their scores and make the roads safer.

With the right strategies, businesses may build a reputation for safety and create a culture where everyone stays safe on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can individual drivers have a CSA score?

No, CSA scores are only given to motor carriers. However, a driver’s violation can impact the carrier’s score.

2. Do CSA scores matter?

Yes, CSA scores are critical. They affect a carrier’s reputation, insurance costs, and ability to get clients and hire good drivers.

3. How often are CSA scores updated?

CSA scores are updated once a month, usually around the 5th.

4. What is a good CSA score?

A good CSA score is a low score. Lower scores show better safety and compliance with FMCSA regulations.

5. How can I fix incorrect information on my CSA report?

You can dispute errors through the DataQs System. Provide all necessary documents to support your claim and have the data corrected.