• 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).

All users are required to register with the DataQs system. However, before registering for DataQs, users must have an account with Login.gov. Login.gov uses identity verification and two-factor authentication to keep federal databases secure. If registrants do not already have a Login.gov account, they must complete the process to create one. A Login.gov account is also necessary for access to an FMCSA Portal account.

To register and create a DataQs account, individuals must select their role under the Create an Account tab on the DataQs homepage. Roles include motor carrier/owner-operator, driver, FMCSA & State Partner, or Public/Industry. Once the role has been designated, users must follow the instructions on the following screens.

Driver and Public/Industry will be taken to the DataQs Registration screen.

Motor Carriers and FMCSA/State Users will be taken to the FMCSA Portal to register or login, and access DataQs for the first time.

For access to DataQs through the FMCSA Portal, individuals must request the role from their profile area. Steps include:

1. Log in to the Portal
2. Click Account Management in the top navigation and select My Profile
3. Click Portal Roles/USDOT# tab
4. On this tab:
   • Select a DOT number from the list on the left
   • Select DataQs Secure Access from the available roles box
   • Click Add Roles button
   • Type in a reason for requesting the role
   • Click Update Profile
5. Wait for the company official to approve the request. If the one registering is the company official, log out and back into the Portal to see the DataQs link under Available FMCSA Systems.

Once an account is created, data concerns can be filed with the FMCSA and 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 DataQs 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.