DataQ System Improvements

The American Trucking Associations requests that CVSA join with the industry in calling for specific improvements to the DataQs system.

Motor carriers' scores in the CSA Safety Measurement System are based on comparative performance (e.g., how their raw measures compare to other carriers with similar exposure). However, processes for addressing data correction requests vary from state to state. This impacts the validity of comparing a carrier from one state with those from others. As such, the system's ability to effectively identify the least safe fleets is hindered. Hence, uniformity is needed. Moreover, improvements are necessary to ensure that data correction requests are addressed in a fair, appropriate and timely fashion in all states. Finally, CVSA and national industry trade associations must work together to discourage fleets from filing frivolous data correction requests.

CVSA should work in partnership with the industry to call for improvements to the DataQs system. Specifically, CVSA and the industry should: • Actively discourage fleets and third parties from filing frivolous requests; • Encourage FMCSA to impose sanctions against fleets and third parties that make a practice of filing frivolous requests; • Establish state-level DataQ review panels; • Evaluate options for additional funding dedicated to handling of DataQ requests. • Promote the adherence to recommended practices for filing requests. • Call on FMCSA to: o Require that state agencies adhere to standard, uniform processes in the treatment of data correction requests; o Monitor state performance on timeliness and uniformity and address variances. o Establish an FMCSA appeals process for review of state-level determinations.