Top 10 FAQs for Truck Drivers & Motor Carriers
Helping You Improve Compliance, Safety, and Profitability
1. What can a motor carrier do to improve?
Start by reviewing your compliance history. Track violations, crash data, and safety ratings. Identify patterns and use FMCSA tools like the Safety Management Cycle (SMC) to strengthen your systems and improve safety behavior.
2. How can carriers improve their Unsafe Driving BASIC score?
The Unsafe Driving BASIC covers violations like speeding, reckless driving, improper lane changes, and distracted driving. Carriers can improve by:
Training drivers with FMCSA's Defensive Driving Countermeasures
Promoting seatbelt use through FMCSA’s Safety Belt Program
Downloading the SMC Unsafe Driving Guide
Reviewing their operations using the full SMC Overview
3. How can carriers successfully navigate the CSA program?
To succeed under CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability):
Update your MCS-150 regularly.
Monitor your SMS scores and BASICs in the FMCSA Portal.
Fix recurring violations using the Safety Management Cycle.
Educate drivers about how every inspection affects your company’s safety score.
Use DataQs to challenge incorrect violations.
4. Why doesn’t my MCS-150 update appear in SMS?
The Safety Measurement System (SMS) updates once a month. If you updated your MCS-150 after the monthly snapshot (usually the 3rd or last Friday), your update won’t show until the next cycle.
5. Which carriers are included in the SMS?
The FMCSA includes carriers that:
Haul loads over 10,000 lbs. across state lines
Transport hazardous materials intrastate If your fleet meets these, you’re automatically part of the SMS.
6. What data does SMS use to evaluate carriers?
SMS evaluates:
24 months of roadside inspection violations (not just out-of-service ones)
State-reported crashes It uses this data to calculate your BASIC scores.
7. How long do violations stay on your SMS record?
Violations stay on your SMS for 24 months, but they are time-weighted:
0–6 months: ×3 impact
6–12 months: ×2 impact
12–24 months: ×1 impact
Older events carry less weight over time.
8. How do a driver’s violations affect a carrier’s SMS score?
Only violations received while driving under your DOT Number impact your SMS score. Even if the driver leaves, the violations still affect your score for up to 24 months.
9. How is FMCSA improving Roadside Inspections?
FMCSA is:
Providing software and grants to states to boost electronic inspections
Encouraging faster uploads (95% are now uploaded within 21 days)
Offering tools to help states identify and fix data upload issues
10. Where can I find more help?
Visit the official CSA Website for:
Training guides
BASIC-specific tips
Safety improvement resources
Email and RSS updates
✅ Want to Improve Your CSA Scores and Safety Ratings?
At Logistical Forwarding Solutions, we help truckers and carriers improve safety, manage compliance, and increase profits. Ask us how we can guide your operation toward success.