CSA2010 Severity and Point System Safety Rating for Truck Drivers
The purpose of the CSA2010 initiative (Comprehensive Safety Analysis) is to “develop more effective and efficient methods for FMCSA, together with industry and state partners, to achieve its mission of reducing commercial motor vehicle crashes, fatalities, and injuries.” Basically, a new, updated “system” to increase the safety rating among truck drivers and motor carriers. Under the new system, both carrier and driver will be assessed points for their safety performances. Upon reaching the maximum points allowed, the driver or motor carrier will be in violation of the new CSA2010.
As a follow up from our previous post: CSA2010 and DAC report to cause more lost jobs for American truckers, violations by drivers and carriers will be taken by SafeStat and stored in a DataBase. This information is from the D.O.T roadside inspections. Upon its implementation, drivers will receive a score according to a three year look back of this information within the DataBase. If their total point score is at the maximum level, current drivers and companies could immediately be in violation and placed out of service and/or terminated.
This is why the FMCSA, itself, has projected that 175,000 drivers could lose their jobs as soon as CSA2010 is implemented. Furthermore, they project that 47.9% of the U. S. trucking companies could fail.
Drivers will also face a level of severity rating system that will be assessed under the new initiative, scheduled to be implemented in July, 2010. Based on the violation, drivers will be given a severity rating between 1-10, with 10 being the highest. This rating will then be used in a mathematical formula to determine the total points against the driver, which in turn, will determine if the driver has reached the maximum number of points allowed by CSA2010. The actual limit of points a driver or carrier can reach before being in violation, is yet to be known . . . at least, I have not been able to locate it.
However, the level of severity rating system is quite disturbing. Keeping in mind that severity will be rated between levels 1-10, with 10 being the highest, here are a few examples of what severity level rating a driver will be assessed for several violations:
- Violate a state or local ordinance or regulation: Level 1
- Violate hours of service : Level 7
- Operate a CMV with inoperative headlight/tail light: Level 6
- Violate that a load is not secured : Level 10
- Operate a CMV while ill or fatigued : Level 10
- Operate a CMV with a leaky tire : Level 8
- Operate while DUI : Level 10
So as drivers, you must understand that if you do your pre-trip inspection and everything is fine and good to go, and you drive 50 miles and catch a nail in the tire and DOT pulls you over and discovers the leaky tire . . . you will be hit with a Level 8 severity rating. Still, the total number of points allowed before being punished by CSA2010, has not yet been determined by myself . . . I have not been given the answer to this question by anyone else either.
In the case of CSA2010, time is on your side as a professional driver. The algebraic equation to be used to determine the total points against drivers from the road side inspections varies between the different measures within the system. Basically, it is determined by taking the total time and severity level ratings/violations, divided by the number of time relevant roadside inspections. All clear now?
This means that severity levels and points can reduce over time. If you get hit with a Level 8 for a leaky tire, but do not have another violation for six months, when the calculation is performed to determine your points, the points will go down due to the length of time that has passed between the two violations. This is why I say that time really is on your side.
As this information for the DataBase is being put together, none has been released to the trucking companies or truck drivers. However, the information is available to drivers right now. The Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) establishes a presumption that records in the possession of agencies and departments of the Executive Branch of the U. S. Government are available to the public.
A driver can file a Freedom of Information request to the FMCSA to receive this information being created as a result of CSA2010. To submit your request, you must do the following:
- Make your request in writing and include your name, address and phone number where you can be reached if they (FMCSA) needs to contact you.
- Clearly indicate that you are making your request under the Freedom of Information Act.
- The request must reasonably and specifically describe the documents you are seeking.
- When requesting documents on a specific motor carrier, include the carrier’s name and principal place of business, or their DOT number.
Submit your request to:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Attn: FOIA, Team MC-MMI 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590Contact the FOIA Public Liaison, ONLY after you have received your documents from the FOIA office, if you have any questions or concerns about the information shown. This contact information is:
FMCSA Public Liaison Duane DeBruyne 202-366-9999Another important note, is that the information for the DataBase is currently from SafeStat. However, once CSA2010 is enforced, the DataBase will be handled by NIC Technologies out of Olathe, Kansas. NIC was awarded the contract by the Federal Department of Transportation for the National Motor Carrier Pre-Employment Screening System. You can read the News Release . . .
Once NIC takes over, drivers information reports showing your driver score, will cost $10 and trucking companies will also have to pay the $10 fee. Also, companies do not have to share this information with the driver. If not, you will have to pay the ten dollar fee to receive the information that has been collected on you.
Furthermore, it is being reported that there is no way to challenge false information on this report. This is not true. Drivers can contest wrong information on their reports by using the FMCSA’s DataQs system. You must first register from the DataQs home page by selecting “register on-line” as a general public user and create a DataQs account profile. Once registered, drivers will be able to challenge his or her data by following the detailed instructions in the “Help” menu. Once NIC takes over the DataBase, you will not be able to challenge the false information through FMCSA’s system. NIC reportedly will provide a means of allowing drivers to contest the information, but currently they have not established how they will provide this service.
This information is not well known, so I hope this assists drivers in the dispute process towards this new point rating system data.
On Thursday, January 21st, 2010 our talk radio show, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” aired a 90 minute open discussion on important issues facing drivers and the trucking industry. CSA2010 was clearly the leader.
The show had many on-line listeners from their phones, through the internet and a good participating audience in the provided chat room. Mike Rone of RMR Consultants and Jimmy Sills, a CSA2010 specialist, called into the show to share their knowledge of CSA2010. Furthermore, Mr. Rone stated that DAC Services will have nothing to do with the CSA2010 initiative and that this is false information being told to drivers by their companies. The three year look back on drivers records, will come from the roadside inspections performed by D.O.T.
If you missed the show and you find 90 minutes to spare, you can listen to the information shared:
We will keep you posted on CSA2010, and the other important issues facing the trucking industry.
© 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
: CSA 2010, csa2010, NIC Technologies, point system, Safestat, truck drivers safety rating
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[...] our updated post at: CSA2010 Severity and Point System Safety Rating for Truck [...]
The below information is submitted not to be argumentative, but as information and clarification. There is much more that could be addressed, but these seem to be the important areas. This is submitted to to best of may knowledge of the facts and understanding of the facts.
1. To my knowledge there is no MAXIMUM level of points, that have been determined for Drivers, to determine a Intervention trigger point.
2. A Intervention comes in several forms and not all forms carry penalties and fines. It could be as simple as having to respond to a letter outlining the facts of specific instances.
3. A driver will not be given a Safety Rating or a Safety Fitness Determination (Announced at Dec. listening session). Without a rating assigned they can not be declared “Unfit” and loose driving privileges. The Carriers may form their own guidelines based on the points accumulated and probably will as a basis to hire new driver.
4. Drivers will not have a point system 1-10. The violations found on roadside inspections will have a point value 1-10.
5. Roadside inspections with violations will be offset through a normalizing effect in the formula for determining the driver score. In a simple explanation it will average the points over all inspections to include good inspections.
For instance you have 20 points in 2 inspections, but you have had 5 inspections in the first 12 months. Keep in mind there is a multiplier of 3 for the most current 12 months:
20 pts X 3 multiplier / 5 inspections = 12 points average in the 12 months (1-12)
6. Will the point system be an unfair advantage to existing drivers over new CDL drivers? If the Carrier ignores the experience that the existing drivers have, probably so.
7. Will Carriers be able to structure their pay based on this point System? Yes, and it also could effect Bonus’, etc.
8. Can drivers get inaccurate information off their profile under the current DATAQ process within Safestat? Maybe, Carriers today are having a hard time. It is possible with assistance and if the proper documentation is submitted. I would recommend getting assistance, unless you are familiar with the process, from a compliance specialist.
9. Is this system perfect? No it contains the possibility of inaccurate data as all systems. Also, at least in the beginning inconsistency in the inspection process from inspector to inspector. Not to name an important area – How do drivers contest and document inaccurate inspections received? I do not know, possibility a burden to have the inspection verified by a certified mechanic within a reasonable time period. Is there a Due process procedure to stop the points going on the profile? Not to my knowledge.
Thanks for the info . . .
whats the total points a driver can have with the csa 2010 anyone know?? im supposedly bad w 63 points but we have drivers with 200 ,its all a bunch of bs if you ask me. why??? is it a murderer can be aquited and not retried but a trucker can be punished multiple times for 1 offense??? this is just more crap big brother is doing to control the industry and when they do have full control GOD HELP US !!!!
When the Maximum points a driver is allowed to reach is SET. Will a Driver be given notice? Or will it be automatic “UNFIT”?
Then if found “UNFIT”, will a driver be allowed to collect unemployment benefits? Or will the Driver be considered as “fired” and thus have a longer waiting period for benefits?
There will not be a Point System for drivers. There is not one now nor is there one in the CSA 2010 planning. Nothing in CSA 2010 will affect a CDL. Only citations will affect CDLs, just as in the past. There will be a SMS ( Safety Management System) to replace Safestat and it will be based on roadside inspections. Drivers should not worry about CSA 2010. In fact, once fully implemented, good drivers will like the process. Bad drivers will not like the process but the intervention process will help them overcome their defiencies.
Appreciate the clarification and update … the road side inspections utilize a severity point rating system, does it not? A point rating system for both driver and company.
The SMS will utilize a measurement system which is weighted on crash risk unlike the Safestat system. The Driver Safety Measurement System (DSMS) quantifies commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver performance in terms of BASICs, using available roadside performance data
Investigators will examine drivers who have been cited for severe driver violations, in conjunction with carrier interventions
This may result in driver Notice of Violation or Notice of Claim based on driver violation history across current and previous employers
In the future DSMS will be used to identify the “worst of the worst” drivers so that interventions may be done directly with drivers, independent of carrier interventions.
In the future, “Driver Profiles” from DIR that contain inspection and crash histories for individual drivers will be made available to employing motor carriers through FMCSA’s Commercial Driver Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP). Drivers would authorize release of the profiles.
We continue to have excellent information coming out on CSA2010. Glad to see we are clarifying and dispelling Rumors and Myths. Now for a few additional clarifications:
It is true at the present time drivers will not be issued a Safety Rating, so there will be no “Unfit” status, as I previously stated. I feel they originally intended this, but discovered they do not have the authority under FMCSA Part 383, which has provisions to put a driver “Out of Service”. However Anne Ferro recently made comments that was reported by TruckersNews:
“We are not at this time proposing to issue ‘safety ratings’ for drivers or to disqualify a driver based on our CSA 2010 scoring system” Ferro said. “We may consider that at some point after the program has matured but it is not part of what we are doing at this point.”
So will there be at one point a Safety Rating for Drivers, possibly. It is my opinion that a Rule Making Proceding would have to take place to get this accomplished, as in the case with the Motor Carriers in order to change the criteria for their current rating sytem.
There will be points assigned to the violations the drivers receive on roadside inspections. There is not a maximum number of points that will affect the driver adversely, at least from the FMCSA. Will the points show up in the Pre-employment Screening Program, probably, but we will not know for sure until it is made available. I say that due to the continual changes, updates or clarifications that are coming from the Administration.
In any event the Motor Carrier will use the information, points or no points in the Pre-Employment Screening Program to evaluate drivers for eligiility to hire, possible eligibility for bonus’ and/or pay increases. The points that drivers get on future violations will effect them when the driver is hired. It is felt that the past actions of drivers reflect their future actions. Thus, if a driver has many violations that would reflect a large number of points, in all probability the Motor Carrier will not hire the driver. Does the Driver need to worry about CSA2010?
Drivers do need to be concerned about CSA2010 to the point that they reduce their violations on roadside violations so that they are not adversely affecting their Driver Profile that will be built. It is true that the Administration stated, a few weeks ago, the Profile information in the Pre-employment Screening Program that was awarded to NIC Technologies as a 3rd Party Administrator, is not a part of CSA2010, but where is the data coming from. It is coming from the system setup for CSA2010. So is it really not a part of it?
I agree drivers will not have direct “Interventions” from the FMCSA at the present time. The Interventions will come as a result of finding violations, that the driver committed, at time of a internal review with the Motor Carrier, and they will only be looking at the major violations. Below is an exert from a FMCSA response to driver’s FAQ’s:
Q. What kinds of driver safety performance data is CSA 2010
looking at?
A. The new program focuses on driver enforcement for serious
rule violations, such as:
• Driving while disqualified
• Driving without a valid commercial driver’s license
• Making a false entry on a medical certificate
• Committing numerous Hours-of-Service violations
(These are examples, there are others)
Roadside Inspectors will have additional infomation at their disposal to review at the time of Inspection, as a result of CSA2010. This information will include violations previously cited on Carriers and Drivers. They would be able to use this to focus on past performances to perform “Targeted Inspections”. The inspector will be able to concentrate on areas on known non-compliance. So where are the Driver vioations coming from? Should Driver’s be concerned about violations when CSA2010 is implemented?
The responses to the drivers FAQ’s should be read by all, below is a link to the information:
http://tinyurl.com/ye5j8hh
It’s what I’ve been trying to explain … there will be a point system for drivers. Not that it’s a bad thing, but there will be one.
Here is part of a company news letter as provided by: boone315
CSA 2010 replaces SafeStat and not only is the motor carrier scored on roadside/scale house violations, out of services and accidents but so are the drivers. Drivers will have their own safety measurement score and if a certain percentile is reached an intervention process will began.
The intervention process can include placing the driver as unfit to operate/suspend operation. Yes, this means points are assigned to you and you get your OWN safety score and it WILL affect whether or not you are able to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
The program scores all violations/out of services deemed drivers responsibility and DOT recordable crashes the driver has been involved in within the last two years. It then calculates a point total for each incident and together totals the score and ranks it against other drivers.
This process will happen monthly. Let’s look at it like a traffic light. Every month roadsides and accidents which you were involved in will be looked at and calculated. If your percentile is in the normal range you will remain green, good to go. If your percentile requires intervention then corrective action will be taken and you’ll be in the yellow range, caution.
If corrective actions have been unsuccessful and your actions continue to remain unsafe or high risk then you will be placed Red stop- unfit suspended.
The percentile ranges have not been set. Once all carriers and drivers are calculated than an average will be reached and percentiles will be assigned. This system is also able to be viewed by any motor carrier you may apply with.
If you leave your current leased on motor carrier and apply for another carrier they will see what has been assigned to you within the last 24 months regardless of which carrier you were under and it can be part of their decision in your application process.
Original Post found at: http://tinyurl.com/ydyey3o
Not true. There are no plans for FMCSA “rate” drivers or deem anyone “unfit”.
Please provide links where this information can be confirmed. Thanks …Allen
http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov/FAQs.aspx?role=MC
FAQ- Will CSA 2010 assign safety ratings to individual CMV drivers? I heard that CSA 2010 is designed to rate CMV drivers and to put many of them out of work this summer.
No. Under CSA 2010, individual CMV drivers will not be assigned safety ratings or safety fitness determinations. Consistent with the current safety rating regulations (49 CFR part 385), individual drivers will continue to be rated, as they are today, following an onsite investigation at their place of business when they operate independently as a “motor carrier” (i.e. have their own USDOT number, operating authority, and insurance). CSA 2010 will provide enhanced tools for Safety Investigators to identify and address drivers with poor safety records as part of motor carrier investigations in order to increase driver accountability for safe driving behavior. CSA 2010 is designed to meet one overriding objective: to increase safety on the Nation’s roads. Therefore, it is, by design, a positive program for drivers and carriers with strong safety performance records Also, it will send a strong message that drivers and carriers with poor safety performance histories need to improve.
http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov/Documents/DriverInfoforCarriers.pdf
All you ever want to know is here. Keep in mind that the Working Test ends in July and some changes are still being made. I hope this clears up some of the rumors.
http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov/outreach.aspx
RE-POST:
Another driver score card for trucking companies. Have you heard of this one, endorsed by the ATA? The Vigillo CSA 2010 Scorecard . . . another tool trucking companies can use to :
(1) Assess the data upon which the company will be judged by FMCSA
(2) Calculate the score they are likely to receive based on that data
(3) Run reports that will help them manage their CSA 2010 and safety risks and
(4) See and take action on the specific areas (AND DRIVERS) that need work to improve their safety score.
The Vigillo CSA 2010 Scorecard has a driver component that allows the trucking company to see a driver’s safety record, including violations, warnings and crashes, thus allowing them to take “appropriate actions.”
This scorecard is provided to trucking companies at a month to month subscription fee. Trucking companies will pay for this service, much like the ‘ole DAC REPORT.
More abuse against drivers in the making? 32 years of experience tells me “yes.”
http://www.atabusinesssolutions.com/t-csa2010scorecard.aspx
Allen
[...] mentioned in our earlier post: CSA 2010 Severity and Point System Safety Rating for Truck Drivers, a driver caught with a leaky tire will receive a rating of 8 . . . only two points under a [...]
is the points system just for trucks because if it is then i feel that it is unfair because 90% of the time when there is an accident involving a truck and a car it is the fault of the person in the car there is a serious lack of education for younger drivers involving trucks i feel that all persons going to DMV should have to sit in the cab of a real truck behind the wheel with a car sitting in front of it i have litterally lost cars in front of my truck because they either cut out too close or hit their brakes in traffic i quit driving because of this i was afraid i would accidentally run over someone and cause someone to lose their life and i wouldnt have been able to live with that. i have had my cdl for 19 years and never had an accident. i also do not agree with “no trucks in left lane” inside city limits if there is a lane restriction it should be “through trucks left lanes” with no cars allowed in those through lanes