FMCSA adjusts CSA presentation, cargo scoring
Feedback identified a concern that the Cargo-Related BASIC — which measures a motor carrier’s compliance with load securement procedures, and with a host of hazardous materials requirements — was “over-representing certain industry segments” and potentially creating a misleading safety alert warning, according to FMCSA.
The Trucker Staff
11/19/2010
WASHINGTON — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Thursday released the latest revisions to CSA 2010 and the Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories, to the approval of key trucking industry groups. The DOT will roll out its new commercial vehicle assessment standard, based on roadside inspection data, to the nation in December.
Modifications to the presentation of BASIC results include:
– Changing the term “Deficient” to “Alert” when a motor carrier’s score in one or more BASICs is above the FMCSA threshold for intervention
– Changing the highlight color from red to orange; and
– Improving the language to clarify that BASIC results signify the carrier is prioritized for an FMCSA intervention.
FMCSA said that feedback during the data preview, available to carriers since Aug. 16, indicated that the display of results needed to clarify that BASIC percentiles above the FMCSA threshold show that the carrier is “prioritized for an FMCSA intervention” and does not signify or otherwise imply a “safety rating” or safety fitness determination.
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Modifications to the Cargo-Related BASIC include:
– Recalibrating the BASIC by adjusting the cargo securement violation severity weightings based on input from subject matter experts; and
– Changing the public display to show the SMS Cargo-Related BASIC violations only. The percentiles and intervention status will not be on public display.
Feedback identified a concern that the BASIC — which measures a motor carrier’s compliance with load securement procedures, and with a host of hazardous materials requirements — was “over-representing certain industry segments” and potentially creating a misleading safety alert warning, according to FMCSA.
The agency said it conducted additional analysis and concluded that the Cargo-Related BASIC be recalibrated and will now adjust the severity weights and run the algorithm accordingly.
Also, the agency said it is conducting additional analysis to further understand the impact on the different industry segments of a carrier’s exposure in this BASIC.
During this analysis period, the BASIC results will continue to be used as an intervention prioritization tool for enforcement personnel based on sound safety principles, FMCSA said. Additionally, the percentiles and intervention status will be accessible to the FMCSA enforcement community and motor carriers only.
The American Trucking Associations applauded the announcement, saying ATA agrees with the decision to withhold Cargo-Related BASIC scores from public view when carrier scores are released to the public in early December, until FMCSA can confirm that changes to that part of the system effectively and accurately identify unsafe carriers.
“ATA continues to support the objectives of CSA 2010 and we are pleased with the agency’s decision to continue working on it’s Cargo-Related BASIC to get it right before it’s made public,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said.
ATA had identified the BASIC as a component of the CSA 2010 program that needed additional work and recently met with FMCSA to present evidence demonstrating that the scores in this category do not accurately reflect carrier safety performance.
The trucking group also agreed with the decision to replace the term “deficient” with “alert” on its public website, and to include pop-up disclaimer language alerting users to the intent of the scores, and cautioning against misuse.
The Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association likewise supports the effort to make the public scores more clear and understandable.
“Hopefully it will lead to a better understanding of CSA 2010 by those who procure transportation services,” said Joe Rajkovacz, OOIDA regulatory affairs director. “Many in trucking don’t seem to have a basic understanding of how to interpret the data, it’s even worse with shippers and brokers.”
Kevin Jones of The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at kevinj@thetrucker.com.
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