Definitions - Click on the underlined text below for additional information on the definitions.

Compliance Review - A compliance review (CR) is an on-site examination of the motor carrier's records and operations to determine whether the carrier meets the safety fitness standard. The CR is conducted to investigate potential safety violations, to investigate complaints, or is in response to a carrier's request for a change in safety rating. The compliance review may result in the initiation of an enforcement action. (Review the FMCSA Regulations for a detailed definition of a compliance review.)

Safety Rating - A motor carrier receives a safety rating when an authorized official conducts an on-site examination of a motor carrier operation including compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Hazardous Materials Regulations. The official reviews records, evaluates roadside vehicle inspection data, and accidents to determine whether a motor carrier meets the safety fitness standard. (Review the FMCSA Regulations for a detailed definition of a safety rating.) The following Safety Ratings are defined:

  • Satisfactory - A motor carrier has in place and functioning adequate safety management controls to meet the safety fitness standard prescribed in 49 CFR 385.5. Safety management controls are adequate if they are appropriate for the size and type of operation of the particular motor carrier.

  • Conditional - A motor carrier does not have adequate safety management controls in place to ensure compliance with the safety fitness standard that could result in the occurrences listed in 49 CFR 385.5 (a) through (k).

  • Unsatisfactory - A motor carrier does not have adequate safety management controls in place to ensure compliance with the safety fitness standard which has resulted in occurrences listed in 49 CFR 385.5 (a) through (k). Unsatisfactory rated motor carriers are subject to the prohibitions and ineligibilities listed in 49 CFR 385.13.

  • Not Rated - An unrated carrier means that a safety rating has not been assigned to the motor carrier.

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