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While it is often said “knowledge is power”, really it is “understanding of the knowledge” that is real power. Too many motor carriers do not have the time or resources to make sense of their CSA data and is the reason why fleets end up not knowing that non-preventable crashes are harming their CSA scores.
Reviewing your DOT inspection data each month helps keep your fleet moving and not involved with frequent inspections based on your last two years of inspection data. Inspections result in down time for the driver and vehicle. Poor ongoing results can negatively impact company revenues. With the rolling results of FMCSA and SMS, it takes time to correct the past.
If you notice incorrect information in the CSA Safety Measurement System (SMS), the DataQ process is there to help companies and drivers fight and remove these records that could be keeping your scores or insurance rates high.
FMCSA says thousands of incorrect information-type DataQs are corrected each year. Violation challenges are the number one reason carriers and owner/operators utilize the DataQ system, but they are the least-successful category of challenge where only 39% were successfully changed, according to the FMCSA. For crash-related information, 43% of driver challenges were overturned. The problem with the DataQ process is that the system can be challenging and dealing with decisions that are often complex can be frustrating.
The most common hurdle is gathering enough evidence to make a convincing case. It’s important to provide detailed information in the system that pertains to the carrier, driver, vehicle, or data that’s being disputed. Before starting a DataQ process, make sure you have the report number for the record being challenged. The supporting documentation that may be required ranges and is determined case by case. Even with clear evidence, fixing errors in the system can be difficult and time-consuming when a filing gets rejected. That whole time, which can take months, the violation is in the CSA score system and damaging your CSA score, insurance rates, and ability to do business.
Where do I start? Start by creating an account on the DataQs website at: dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov. If you already have an FMCSA portal account, you can log in to the portal (portal.fmcsa.dot.gov) and access DataQs from there. You’ll need your DOT number and PIN to get full functionality. If you have lost your DOT-assigned PIN, the website has instructions for requesting it.
Tips to remember:
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Make sure you know what happened. Investigate, don’t just take someone’s word for it.
- Being specific
- Reference the correct regulation and interpretations.
- State the facts
- Be clear, concise, and accurate
The Association is having an advanced Data Q Workshop on July 19th to help you better understand the process and learn the best practice for a challenge. Look for the announcement and sign up!
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