Question

what is CSA(compliance safety accountability) and is it still viable? Should it be available to the public? How do brokers like it?

Answer 1

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) is the program initiated by FMCSA ( Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) to improve the efficiency of large trucks and buses and keep a check on accidents and crashes. The model for CSA allows the FMCSA to address issues of a large number of carriers on their safety and avoid crashes. The carriers and drivers and monitored and scored on their level meeting the standards for allowing them to come on the road. This program is initiated for the safety of large road carriers and avoid crashes.

It is still viable but with the changes made in it for the practical use of it. It has made the policies more focused on maintenance, unsafe driving and hours of service. The modified system is based on Item Response Theory using testing and statistics.

The CSA has launched an app which is accessible to general public and brokers. This is taken as a step to improve quality and safety but the drivers find it an unfair practice as crash data can be accessed by everyone easily. The crash data and safety rating don't specify the reason and faulty in the crash. The brokers use this information for carriers, capacity and drivers due to which their employment opportunities for them are affected. The reputation of the drivers and their performances is effected. Hence from the perspective of drivers and brokers, it is not a positive thing to make it available to the public.