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Calculating the overall rating
  • Following an audit, carriers will receive a safety rating and a list of problems to correct.

The carrier’s overall safety rating is based on the ratings in each individual factor, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses a computerized rating formula to assess the audit results and assign a safety rating.

Motor Carrier Safety Rating Table
FACTOR RATINGSOVERALL SAFETY RATING
Number of unsatisfactory factorsNumber of conditional factors
zerotwo or fewerSatisfactory
zeromore than twoConditional
onetwo or fewerConditional
onemore than twoUnsatisfactory
two or morezero or moreUnsatisfactory

The proposed safety rating

Within 30 days after a compliance review, the carrier will receive a letter from FMCSA headquarters containing the proposed safety rating and a list of compliance problems that need correcting, if any. The rating is finalized as follows:

RatingDetails
SATISFACTORYThe rating is final and takes effect on the date of the notice.
CONDITIONALThe rating becomes final 60 days after the date of the notice, or 45 days for hazmat or passenger carriers. If the rating is an upgrade from an unsatisfactory rating, it becomes final immediately.
UNSATISFACTORYThe rating becomes final 60 days after the date of the notice, or 45 days for hazmat or passenger carriers. If necessary safety improvements are not made within that time frame, then the carrier will be deemed “unfit” to continue operating in interstate commerce and will lose its operating authority. The 60-day deadline may be extended if the carrier is making good faith efforts to comply. (385.13)