FMCSA's Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010) is a national safety initiative to more effectively identify and quickly intervene with large truck and bus drivers, and carriers, who are not complying with safety rules in order to make the roads safer for everyone. 

 

Truckload executives at the recent Truckload Carriers Association's (TCA) meeting held Feb 28-March 3,  were told that changes in their operations and relations with shippers could be required to maintain strong safety scores when CSA 2010 is implemented later this year.  The FMCSA plans to begin implementing the program in July.  Already expected to eliminate several thousand truckers from the driving pool, the federal government's new truck safety rating system is likely to threaten the career of thousands more, as well the fortunes of many fleets, carrier executives and others familiar with the program said.  "It is clear a lot of carriers were late to recognize the scope of CSA 2010" said Chris Burruss, President of the TCA.  Kevin Burch, outgoing TCA Chairman and President of Jet Express said CSA 2010, along with economic recovery and an aging workforce, was part of a "perfect storm" that would rapidly bring the driver shortage issue back to the forefront.  Gregory Feary, a managing partner at the law firm Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, said CSA 2010 could make driver retention more expensive, because all carriers will look for the higher-rated drivers, who also might seek better paying positions with competitors.   

 

 

Response..."No. Under CSA 2010, individual CMV drivers will not be assigned safety ratings or safety fitness determinations. Consistent with the current safety rating regulations (49 CFR part 385), individual drivers will continue to be rated, as they are today, following an onsite investigation at their place of business when they operate independently as a "motor carrier" (i.e. have their own USDOT number, operating authority, and insurance). CSA 2010 will provide enhanced tools for Safety Investigators to identify and address drivers with poor safety records as part of motor carrier investigations in order to increase driver accountability for safe driving behavior. CSA 2010 is designed to meet one overriding objective: to increase safety on the Nation's roads. Therefore, it is, by design, a positive program for drivers and carriers with strong safety performance records Also, it will send a strong message that drivers and carriers with poor safety performance histories need to improve."

For more information on CSA 2010 click here to view their website.