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Glossary · updated May 2, 2026

BASIC Scores

Also known as: Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories

By Korey Sharp-Paar · Reviewed by the Fast Trucking Compliance team

Definition

BASIC stands for Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories — the seven measurement buckets FMCSA uses inside the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program. Each bucket is scored as a percentile against carriers of similar size and operation, and high percentiles trigger interventions. The seven BASICs are Unsafe Driving, Crash Indicator, Hours-of-Service Compliance, Vehicle Maintenance, Driver Fitness, Controlled Substances and Alcohol, and Hazardous Materials Compliance. FMCSA only publishes percentiles for carriers flagged for intervention; private percentiles are visible inside the Safety Measurement System portal. Use BASIC trends to identify training and equipment investments that move the score down.

Authoritative source

FMCSA CSA program

Read more

CSA Scores & OOS Rate

How FMCSA computes BASIC scores and what the out-of-service rate signals to brokers.

Related terms

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