CSA 2010 Nears - What Trucking Companies Should Do
With the FMCSA’s implementation of CSA 2010 now coming to fruition, there are several things carriers can do to ensure they are prepared. First, if you are only vaguely familiar with CSA 2010, I highly recommend you at least begin at the FMCSA’s CSA 2010 website (http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov/), the official resource for information about this new safety program.
Here are a few critical items to get you pointed in the right direction:
- Review your data! Since April, carriers have had access to their safety performance data. Beginning in August, carriers were able to view their rankings based on the CSMS, which will replace SafeStat beginning in December. Carriers are encouraged to closely examine their performance data and immediately address any safety problems. To review your data, click here. You will need to log-in using your DOT Number and Carrier PIN. If you have lost or forgotten your PIN, visit FMCSA’s Lost PIN page to request a new one. New PINs will be sent via US mail and will arrive in 4-7 days. You can challenge erroneous reports by using the DataQs system. Complete details on the Data Preview are available through Data Preview Guidance (FAQs).
- Update your MCS-150 form. The MCS-150 form provides DOT with basic information about a motor carrier and its operations – the Motor Carrier Census Data. The FMCSA requires this update at least once every two years. Under CSA 2010, the Motor Carrier Census Data entered on this form, in particular power units (PU) and vehicle miles travelled (VMT), is used to determine variables in CSMS – as a result, it’s important that this information be accurate. For instructions to update your MCS-150 by mail or online, click here.
- Review CSA Methodology. To familiarize yourself with the latest CSA 2010 Methodology for measuring carrier safety, visit http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/smsmethodology.pdf.
Although all this information has been updated and continually distributed throughout the year in various forms, only 4% of carriers have visited the FMCSA’s portal to review their CSA 2010 scores. Ann Ferro, FMCSA Administrator gave warning: “For months, carriers have been able to view their data…if carriers aren’t looking at their data, shame on them.”
On December 5, CSA 2010 will officially replace SafeStat and become trucking’s new Federal safety monitoring program. At that time, much like SafeStat, carriers’ safety information will be accessible to the public. Warning letters, along with other intervention steps, will also begin. The warning letter is designed to make carriers aware of their safety performance issues so they can address these early, before they become habitual and more difficult to correct. Click here to view a Sample Warning Letter and related FAQs.
There is one more component to the CSA 2010 process: the Safety Fitness Determination (SFD) methodology. The process by which adverse SFDs will be determined will be the subject of a future rulemaking. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is expected to be published by the end of this year, with a Final Rule appearing sometime next year. While the SFD rulemaking is in process, FMCSA will continue to issue safety ratings in accordance with CFR part 385 - Safety Fitness Procedures.
If you’d like to see how you rank in your CSA 2010 knowledge, you can try your hand at CCJ’s CSA 2010 Quiz. Good luck!
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