How are BASIC scores calculated?

In this article 

• Calculating BASIC Measures
• Calculating BASIC Scores
• Understanding Safety Event Groups
• Download a printable quick guide

Calculating BASIC Measures

The BASIC Measure is a calculated indicator of a motor carrier’s individual performance, expressed as a decimal value (e.g., 1.45 or 2.19). 

For the Crash Indicator and Unsafe Driving BASICs, the measure is computed using the formula:

BASIC Measure = (Total time- and severity-weighted applicable violations) ÷ (Average Power Units × Utilization Factor).

These two BASICs incorporate both mileage and unit count in their calculations.

For Controlled Substances, Driver Fitness, Hazardous Materials Compliance (HAZMAT), Hours of Service, and Vehicle Maintenance BASICs, the measure is calculated using the formula:

BASIC Measure = (Total time- and severity-weighted applicable violations) ÷ (Total time weight of relevant inspections).

This methodology reflects the weighted impact of violations relative to the carrier’s inspection and operational parameters.

Calculating BASIC Scores

Once the BASIC Measure of every motor carrier is calculated, the BASIC Score - which indicates a motor carrier's performance relative to other carriers with a similar number of safety events - is determined. The BASIC Score is expressed as a percentile ranging from 0 to 100%, where a higher percentile denotes poorer performance. 

The BASIC Score is calculated using the formula:

BASIC Score = (Number of carriers in the safety event group with a BASIC Measure below the carrier’s) ÷ (Total number of carriers in the safety event group).

This score places the carrier’s safety performance in context with its peers, facilitating comparative analysis. This score is commonly referred to as the CSA Score, CAB Score, or DOTA Score within the trucking industry.  

Understanding Safety Event Groups

A safety event group is a subset of motor carriers that have a similar number of safety events. This method of classification is used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure that motor carriers are compared against other motor carriers with a similar number of safety-related events, such as inspections, violations, or crashes. This helps ensure that carriers are evaluated by comparing those with comparable safety histories, rather than by the commodities they haul or their industry segment. 

Download Printable Quick Guide

You can download a printable quick guide by clicking, here.

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