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
Read more
CSA Scores & OOS RateHow FMCSA computes BASIC scores and what the out-of-service rate signals to brokers.
Related terms
- CSA(Compliance, Safety, Accountability)
- OOS / Out-of-Service Order
- Safety Audit