How does CSA 2010 work?

The CSA 2010 program combines and tracks a variety of information about trucking companies, company truck drivers, and owner operators.  The CSA 2010 point system is then used to determine the safety risks associated with the company or driver and help determine what disciplinary interventions (if any) should be taken.

The three main components of CSA 2010 are:

1. Measurement
2. Evaluation
3. Interventions

Measurement

Measurement in CSA 2010 uses system called the Behavior Analysis Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs).  The CSA 2010 BASICSs system assigns a number score to various aspects of carrier safety to rate total safety risk.

CSA 2010 BASICs is composed of 7 separate areas, which combine together to form a driver score.  The measurement of the BASICs score is related to the severity, frequency, and recentness of each event.  For example, a minor preventable accident that occurred 5 years ago will not weigh as much as a severe accident that occurred 6 months ago.

The BASICs areas are:

• Unsafe Driving —Example violations include speeding, reckless driving, improper lane change, and inattention.
• Fatigued Driving — Example violations include non-compliance with the Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations, and operating a commercial vehicle when ill.
  
• Driver Fitness —Example violations: failure to have a valid and appropriate commercial driver’s license, incorrect endorsements, or being medically unable to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
  
• Controlled Substances/Alcohol — Example violations include use or possession of controlled substances or alcohol when operating a commercial motor vehicle.
• Vehicle Maintenance —Example violations include brakes, lights, or any other needed mechanical repairs.
  
• Cargo-Related —Example violations include not properly securing the load or improper handling of hazardous materials.
  
• Crash Indicator— History of involvement with reported accidents.

Evaluation

The evaluation component is a way to determine which carriers are unfit to operate.  If an initial review determines the carrier is unfit, the carrier will move into the Intervention phase of the CSA 2010 rules.

Intervention

The new Intervention portion of CSA 2010 allows for a broad range of alternatives for carriers that are determined to be deficient in their BASICs score.  Interventions may range from warning letters detailing the problems to on-site investigations of a carrier.