what is csa score?
🚛 What Is the CSA Score and How Does It Affect Your Trucking Company?
Published by Nancy’s Trucking Permits
If you own a trucking business or are just starting in the industry, you've probably heard of the CSA Score.
But do you really know what it is, how it’s calculated, and why it could cause brokers to reject your loads or DOT officers to stop your trucks?
Today we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the CSA Score—how it works, how to stay in good standing, and why it could be the difference between growing your fleet or losing contracts.
🧾 What Is the CSA Score?
CSA stands for Compliance, Safety, Accountability, and it's a scoring system developed by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
The CSA Score measures your company’s safety and compliance behavior based on:
Inspections
Violations
Fines
Accidents
Driver and vehicle history
The goal is simple: identify companies that pose higher risks on the road.
📊 How Is the CSA Score Calculated?
Your score is broken down into 7 categories called BASICs:
Unsafe Driving
Hours of Service (HOS) Compliance
Driver Fitness (licenses, medical cards)
Controlled Substances/Alcohol
Vehicle Maintenance
Hazardous Materials Compliance
Crash Indicator
Every time your driver or vehicle is inspected and a violation is found, points are added to your record.
The higher your score, the worse your safety rating.
⚠️ What Happens If Your CSA Score Is Bad?
A poor CSA Score can lead to serious consequences, including:
🚨 Increased chances of being pulled over for DOT inspections
❌ Losing contracts from brokers or clients who check your MC
💵 Higher commercial insurance premiums
🛑 Potential intervention or suspension from the FMCSA
🧰 How to Improve Your CSA Score
Here’s how you can protect and improve your score:
✅ Perform regular vehicle maintenance
✅ Provide training on HOS and ELD usage
✅ Don’t ignore “minor” violations—they all add up
✅ Check your SMS (Safety Measurement System) regularly on the FMCSA website
✅ Hire and train qualified, safety-conscious drivers
🟪 How Can Nancy’s Trucking Permits Help?
We help you stay fully compliant and ready for any inspection by:
Keeping your DOT, MC, and MCS-150 up to date
Preparing you for DOT audits and roadside checks
Helping you stay compliant with HOS, ELD, IFTA, UCR, and more
Offering guidance to avoid costly safety violations
✅ Final Thoughts: Your Reputation Starts With Compliance
Your CSA Score is your company’s reputation in the eyes of the government, insurers, and clients.
A good score opens doors. A bad one closes them.
Don't put your operations at risk because of misinformation or lack of preparation.
📞 Got questions about your score?
📧 Want to review your compliance and fix your records?
Contact Nancy’s Trucking Permits today—we’ll help you keep your business safe and legal.