Possible Delay with CSA?

Most heavy-duty trucking companies have July 1 circled on their calendar, as a reminder of the implementation of CSA 2010. However, it now appears that companies will have the rest of the summer to get their files and fleet in shape, as the program may not begin until the fall.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has expressed hope that phases of CSA 2010 will be in place when the leaves begin to turn, with full implementation not expected until spring or summer of 2011, rather than this December as originally planned.

The agency released this statement: "As part of FMCSA's commitment to launch a comprehensive and effective CSA 2010 program, the agency is in the process of incorporating the feedback received from partners and stakeholders in the CSA 2010 pilot states. In the coming weeks, the agency expects to issue a Federal Register notice that will address the CSA 2010 implementation timeline and data preview for commercial motor carriers."

The reason for the delay appeared to be a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to address some of the details of implementation. However, that is no excuse for not starting to prepare now, as there will be no getting away from the program's requirements regarding paperwork and collected data.

The FMSCSA will provide carriers with a preview of their CSA 2010 data later this month. By November 30, both carriers and the public will have access to complete Carrier Safety Measurement System data. However, the public will not be able to review Crash Indicator scores.