Transportation 27

We reported last month that the FMCSA was about to open a web site allowing motor carriers to obtain a preview of their performance in the Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories ("BASICS") of the new CSA 2010 (now simply "CSA") FMCSA enforcement initiative.
 
The site is now open and every motor carrier should take advantage of the opportunity to check the information before it becomes available to the public.  To do so, carriers will need an FMCSA-issued “U.S. DOT Number Personal Identification Number (PIN).” A PIN number can be obtained from the FMCSA’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System web site at http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Click on the link in the text “Click here to request your Docket Number PIN and/or USDOT Number PIN” and follow the instructions to obtain a USDOT Number PIN. There is no charge but a valid credit card is required as verification of the carrier's electronic signature. Further information on the web site is available from the FMCSA at http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov/Documents/Data_Preview_Guidance.pdf .

Public availability (for all except the Crash Indicator) is scheduled for December 2010. Motor carriers should be sure to check the site to be aware of, and take steps as needed to deal with, their motor carrier safety ratings before then.