How to Appeal Inaccurate BASIC Data

With the implementation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) program, many motor carriers have become increasingly concerned about how their company and drivers may be represented (or worse, misrepresented) to the public, fellow motor carriers and customers.  The accuracy of data records can now prompt more than a change in a safety rating.  The safety –related data collected and published by the FMCSA can impact a company’s BASICs score and lead to interventions up to and including being forced out of business.

 

Our clients often inquire how they can investigate and correct any misinformation that may negatively impact their BASICs score.  This month I want to address how to make these appeals.

 

First, if you have not done so already, you will need to collect all of your data.  There are multiple sources in which to turn.  Personal inspection and crash data can be accessed through the FMCSA’s Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) at www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov.  Using this service will cost you $10, but the information will be available almost immediately.  A more economical option is to request the information via the Freedom of Information Act.  Note that it will take considerably longer for you to get your data using this method.  Inspection reports can be reviewed at https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov. 

 

Once you have obtained and reviewed the information and determined there is clearly an error that requires challenging, you can register to use the DataQs system at http://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov to file your challenge.

 

Once registered you should have the following supporting information available:

 

1.)    The relevant inspection report information, such as report number, date and time and state

2.)    The data you plan to challenge

3.)    An explanation of why the data should be changed

4.)    Any evidence or documents that may prove your case

 

Once your appeal is completed there is no guaranteed date by which it will be reviewed and approved.  It will depend greatly upon how the data flow for your particular appeal falls. 


Do you have questions regarding your BASICs information or need assistance beginning the appeals process?  Call our office today at (800) 596-TRUCK (8782).  At the Navigator Truck Insurance Agency we work hard to be accessible, helpful and result oriented. 

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