Best Practices When Challenging Your CSA Data

Whether you’re a motor carrier or a truck driver, it is important that your Compliance Safety and Accountability (CSA) scores are accurate. If you believe there is inaccurate data being reported on CSA’s Safety Management System (SMS) it will negatively affect your CSA scores.

March 3, 2017 | Trucker

By: Cliff J.

I bring over 30 years of trucking industry experience to Acuity. I worked my way up from driving to managing the safety operations of a transportation company, culminating in owning and managing my own regional trucking company. My main goal at Acuity is to help you, the motor carrier, the owner/operator and the driver better understand the insurance industry and help shape Acuity’s products and services to better meet your needs. I regularly provide ongoing trucking training to Acuity employees to help them understand the unique needs of those in the trucking/transportation industry. With over 30 years in the transportation sector, as both a company driver and as owner and manager of a trucking company, I have first-hand experience that helps me understand the challenges truckers’ face, and detailed knowledge of transportation regulations. My experience coupled with a background in insurance loss control can help answer and provide solutions to any issues that may arise.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) DataQs online system allows motor carriers and drivers alike, to request a review of federal or state-issued citation or violation that you feel is incorrect.

After you make a request, the system automatically forwards your Request for Data Review (RDR) to the appropriate office for resolution and then collects updates and responses for current requests. However, keep in mind that just because a challenge is filed, it doesn’t mean the data will automatically be corrected.

Here are five best practices that can help improve your chance of success when challenging your CSA data.

Be accurate. Choose the correct RDR type and provide the accurate report number. Be sure your information is complete.
Be clear. Specify what you want reviewed, and, if possible, have someone proofread written comments for clarity before submitting.
Be detailed. Provide supporting documentation, such as pictures, bills of lading, registration and license information, court documents, contracts, and other information, to help support your case as to why the information is incorrect. Arguing your opinion will not help. Just like in doing your taxes, the best results are gained through supporting documentation.
Be polite. Remember that requests are reviewed by people who are interested in doing the right thing. Being polite and factual will help move the process along.
Be honest. It should go without saying, but file requests only in cases you reasonably believe a mistake was made by enforcement.