If you’re in the trucking world, you probably know all about the CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) program from the FMCSA. It’s all about safety. It’s important to stay in favor with the FMCSA, and that means excelling in the CSA. Here are a few tips so you can improve how you’re doing in the grand scheme of things.
5 tips to improve in the CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability)
1. Know the FMCSRs and the HM Regulations.
You can’t follow the regulations if you don’t know what the regulations are, right? By knowing the regulations, you can see patterns in how your truck businesses has been performing. So, it’s important to know the regulations that go along with the different BASICs (Hours of Service, Unsafe Driving, Driver Fitness, Controlled Substances and Alcohol, Vehicle Maintenance, and HM Compliance). Familiarize yourself with these BASICs and their respective regulations. There is a tool, A Motor Carrier’s Guide to Improving Highway Safety, that you can use to get a start, but keep in mind that this doesn’t replace looking at the actual FMCSRs.
2. Check where your safety management could be improved.
Having solid safety practices in place needs to be a priority. Safety practices can help you follow regulations and reduce the instances of crashes (and injuries and fatalities). Safety practices can also help you financially. You won’t be stuck paying fines and you won’t have to deal with regulatory issues. Check where your safety management could be better. Here are some tips:
- Have clear policies and procedures concerning safety in place.
- Have clear job responsibilities and duties.
- Have a thorough hiring process, including having detailed job descriptions.
- Make sure all drivers have the proper qualifications.
- Have a thorough training process.
- Be sure to communicate with employees.
- Monitor and address employee behavior.
You have to take a good look at safety practices at your business and see where you could improve. Make sure that everyone in the business is on the same page with putting safety first.
3. Review your MCS-150 carrier registration.
You should also take some time to review your MCS-150 carrier registration and make sure that all of your information is correct and up-to-date. Take a look at your address, email information, the number of Power Units, your driver information, and the Vehicle Miles Traveled. If any of this information is incorrect, make sure to update it. Keep everything updated and current. Don’t neglect your MCS-150.
4. Look at your inspection and crash reports.
You have to look at your inspection reports and your crash reports. Make sure that they are all actually for your company. If there is any incorrect data, take note. (Remember, it’s all violations, not just those that are out-of-service violations, that count.) If anything needs to be corrected or made right, request the change through DataQs. All of this information should be right and reflect your business.
5. Stay-up-to-date on Compliance, Safety, Accountability.
You also need to stay up-to-date with Compliance, Safety, Accountability. You can use the CSA website, which has a lot of helpful information, and sign up for their email list. It’s also important to continue to educate your drivers – you can use the Driver Factsheet and the FMCSA resources on CMV driving safety. You can also use the SIRs, which have lots of resources like articles, reports, and tools, to help you improve safety.
The CSA is a big deal for motor carriers and truckers, so it’s important to do your best in the program. Committing to safety and checking that all of your information is correct is a part of improving in the CSA. As we mentioned, the FMCSA is really important, and the CSA is one of their big programs. The more you know about it, the better off you’ll be. So, take some time to brush up on the regulations you need to know.
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