FMCSA Compliance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration holds motor carriers and drivers responsible for meeting safety standards and regulations. FMCSA has its own safety compliance and enforcement program called CSA, which stands for Compliance, Safety, Accountability.

Carriers can find their data stored on FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS), which they use to track the number, severity, and date of safety violations, as well as crash and inspection data. Data is also maintained for the number of vehicles a carrier owns and operates, as well as the miles that were traveled.

Get Started

Current Drug & Alcohol Testing Random Rates:

The FMCSA increased its annual random drug testing rates from 25% to 50% in 2020. The random alcohol testing rate will remain at 10%.

The FMCSA uses Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvements Categories (BASICs) to organize SMS data. Data is derived from the following categories, according to the CSA:

Unsafe Driving – Violations include not wearing a seat belt, speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, and improper lane changes.
Crash Indicator – A review of the driver's non-public crash records is conducted.
Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance – Noncompliance with HOS regulations, including logbooks.
Vehicle Maintenance – Brakes, lights, defects, and failure to make repairs.
Controlled Substances/Alcohol – Use or possession of drugs and/or alcohol.
Hazardous Materials Compliance – Leaking containers, improper packaging, and/or placarding (not public).
Driver Fitness – Must be medically fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and hold a valid license.

Once this data is derived, carriers are grouped with others who have similar safety incidents. A ranking system is then used to determine prioritization for interventions that aim to improve safety and maintain compliance.

DISA Can Help You Stay FMCSA Compliant

DISA's complete line of services for the transportation industry allows you to handle all of your compliance with a single stop. Count on DISA's industry-leading service to make sure your drug and alcohol testing, physical exams, background check (including MVRs and previous employer checks), and driver qualification files are fully FMCSA compliant!

DISA takes the worry out of an audit by ensuring you have the most accurate, up-to-date fleet management and reporting records possible. If required, DISA can also help file for licensing, permitting, tax renewals, and refunds. Every day, DISA arms you with tools and information necessary to guide your safety decision-making process, enabling you to make smarter choices for the future of your organization.

Additional Transportation Services We Offer

Money and bank-shaped plate FCRA Fair credit reporting act.

FCRA Compliance with DOT

DISA helps employers stay FCRA compliant by supporting proper disclosures, authorizations, and adverse action notices—ensuring fair, legal background checks for DOT roles.

Gloved hands with thumbs up and a drug specimen container

DOT Drug Testing

DISA helps safety-sensitive employers stay DOT compliant with expert drug testing services, including random testing, MRO review, and return-to-duty support.

Digits counter of petrol pump by gasoline station. fuel tax reporting

Fuel Tax Reporting & Compliance

Simplify IFTA fuel tax reporting with DISA’s automated compliance solutions, audit support, and real-time reporting tools.

Close-up of colorful fuel pump nozzles at a gas station, in a row with different colors indicating various types of fuel. Fuel Tax Recovery

Fuel Tax Recovery And Refund Services

DISA’s Fuel Tax Recovery services help carriers claim refunds on non-taxable fuel use—maximizing savings and ensuring compliance with ever-changing tax laws and regulations.

transportation operator reviewing permits standing next to large truck

Transportation Licensing & Permitting

DISA’s licensing and permitting services help carriers stay compliant by managing DOT authorities, IRP accounts, permits, and registrations—reducing admin burdens and keeping fleets on the road.

HVUT/FORM 2290 Tax Renewal

DISA’s HVUT/Form 2290 Tax Renewal service ensures transportation companies file accurately and on time—avoiding penalties while maximizing credits and exemptions when eligible.