How does an investigation work?

There are three types of investigations: offsite, onsite focused, and onsite comprehensive. Offsite investigations are conducted over the phone and through email, fax, and mail, while onsite focused and onsite comprehensive investigations are conducted at a carrier’s place of business.

The investigation process is similar for all investigation types. A federal or state Safety Investigator (SI) reviews a motor carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) data, the specific violations that compose the SMS, and the motor carrier’s intervention history. Next, the SI interviews representatives from the motor carrier over the phone and/or in person and reviews selected documents. The SI engages in these activities to examine the carrier’s operations for compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and to determine, with the carrier’s participation, the organizational process breakdowns that are triggering the carrier’s safety violations. The SI will determine the appropriate follow-on intervention(s) (e.g., Notice of Claim, Notice of Violation, and/or CSP). In addition, the SI will discuss with the carrier how it might improve its operations so that its SMS percentile ranks will improve.