• Motor carriers can file concerns about federal and state data released to the public by the FMCSA using the DataQs system.
• From there, concerns are forwarded to the appropriate state office for resolution.
• The state’s resolution on challenged data is final.

The DataQs system is an electronic means for filing concerns about federal and state data released to the public by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on the Carrier Safety Measurement System (CSMS). Motor carriers must sign up for access to the portal using their Department of Transportation (DOT) number. Companies will be asked to create a new username and password that is different than their DOT number and personal identification number (PIN) for access to update the Motor Carrier Identification Report (MCS-150) or view detailed information on their CSMS. A link to DataQ appears on the CSMS portal.

Through this system, data concerns filed with the FMCSA are automatically forwarded to the appropriate state office for resolution. The system also allows filers to monitor the status of each filing. Any challenges to data provided by state agencies must be resolved by the appropriate state agency.

When initially challenging the data, motor carriers should be prepared to prove their case and upload documents right away rather than wait for the state to respond through DataQ by asking for proof. For example, if the truck and driver on a report are not the company’s, and it appears to be an owner-operator still using the company’s DOT number, the carrier may want to explain the circumstances and upload a copy of the lease termination as proof. In other cases that the truck is not owned by the company, it will also be asked to prove it. Consider attaching a copy of the company’s list of vehicle plate numbers or unit numbers.

Once a state office decides on the validity of a challenge, FMCSA considers that decision as the final resolution of the challenge. The case is closed. FMCSA cannot change state records without state consent.