What is a CSA Score and Why Does It Matter?
The FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) program is designed to measure how safely you operate your fleet. Your CSA score is based on violations, roadside inspections, and crash reports.
Think of it like a credit score for your trucking company—but instead of determining loan eligibility, it dictates:
✔️ How much you pay for commercial insurance
✔️ Whether brokers and shippers will work with you
✔️ If you’re at risk of a DOT audit
✔️ Whether your operating authority is in jeopardy
A high CSA score (which is bad, by the way) can flag you as a risk to FMCSA brokers, insurance underwriters, and freight brokers looking for reliable carriers. The worse your score, the harder (and more expensive) it becomes to operate.
How a Bad CSA Score Affects Your Trucking Business1. Skyrocketing Insurance Premiums (Or Worse – No Coverage At All)
Commercial auto insurance providers look at your CSA score when setting premiums. A poor score makes you a high-risk carrier, which means higher rates or even policy cancellations.
✅ Good CSA Score = Lower Insurance Costs
🚨 Bad CSA Score = Higher Premiums or No Coverage
Some carriers with bad CSA scores have seen their business insurance costs double or triple, making it nearly impossible to stay profitable.
2. Losing Freight Broker and Shipper Partnerships
Shippers and freight brokers check CSA scores when choosing trucking companies to haul their loads. A bad score raises red flags, and before you know it, brokers stop calling.
No loads = No revenue.
For long-haul trucking companies that rely on consistent freight, this can be devastating. No broker wants to risk delays, fines, or lost cargo due to a carrier with a reputation for unsafe operations.
3. FMCSA Scrutiny and DOT Audits
A bad CSA score puts you on the FMCSA’s radar for:
- Increased roadside inspections
- More compliance reviews
- DOT audits
Violations like hours-of-service infractions, unsafe driving, or maintenance failures can escalate into a full-blown DOT audit—and trust us, that’s not an invitation you want in your inbox.
4. Restricted Operating Authority and Potential Shutdowns
Too many violations can lead to the FMCSA revoking your authority. Even if you don’t get shut down, high CSA scores can result in operating restrictions that prevent you from growing your business.
If your FMCSA BASIC categories (like Unsafe Driving or Vehicle Maintenance) consistently score high, you could face a conditional or unsatisfactory safety rating—which is basically a death sentence in the freight industry.
How to Fix a Bad CSA Score
If your score is climbing, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Here’s how to take control and improve your CSA score before it tanks your business.
1. Challenge Incorrect Violations with DataQs
Not all violations are accurate, and that’s where DataQs comes in. DataQs is the FMCSA’s official system for disputing incorrect safety data.
💡 How DataQs Helps Trucking Companies:
✔️ If you receive an unfair or incorrect violation, you can submit a Request for Data Review (RDR).
✔️ Provide evidence (dashcam footage, maintenance records, etc.) to challenge the claim.
✔️ If successful, the violation is removed from your record, improving your CSA score.
Mistakes happen, and fixing them quickly can mean the difference between keeping your authority and struggling to book loads.
2. Train Your Drivers and Hold Them Accountable
Your CSA score is only as good as the drivers behind the wheel. Implement strict safety training programs to reduce violations, and consider incentive programs to reward safe driving.
✅ Require pre-trip and post-trip inspections
✅ Use dash cams to monitor and correct unsafe driving habits
✅ Enforce hours-of-service compliance to prevent fatigued driving
3. Invest in Telematics and Safety Technology
Insurance companies are watching how you operate, and those using telematics and real-time tracking often get better insurance rates.
📌 Recommended Safety Technology for Carriers:
✔️ Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) – Prevents HOS violations.
✔️ Dash Cams – Protects against false accident claims.
✔️ Collision Avoidance Systems – Reduces accident risk.
✔️ Speed Monitoring Systems – Flags risky driving behavior.
Many commercial insurance providers offer discounts for trucking companies that adopt these technologies—which means more money in your pocket.
4. Stay on Top of Maintenance and Inspections
Vehicle maintenance violations are one of the top reasons carriers receive CSA score penalties.
🔧 Maintenance Checklist for Fleets:
✔️ Regularly inspect brakes, lights, and tires.
✔️ Keep detailed maintenance logs to prove compliance.
✔️ Fix small issues before they become expensive violations.
A well-maintained truck doesn’t just save you money on repairs—it keeps you out of trouble with the FMCSA.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Business Before It’s Too Late
Your CSA score isn’t just a number—it’s the heartbeat of your trucking business. Ignoring it can lead to higher costs, fewer loads, and potential shutdowns.
But here’s the good news: You have control.
✅ Challenge bad violations with DataQs.
✅ Train drivers and invest in safety technology.
✅ Stay proactive with fleet maintenance and DOT compliance.
At Lewis Insurance Group, we specialize in helping trucking companies manage risk and secure the best commercial insurance rates—because a low CSA score means lower premiums, more loads, and a thriving business.
Don’t let a bad CSA score run your trucking business off the road. Contact us today to ensure you have the right coverage and risk management strategies in place!
🚛💨 Stay safe, stay covered, and keep rolling!