What is a CAB Report?

The CAB Report^® is the accepted transportation industry standard, offering the most advanced and comprehensive analysis available. CAB is an independent company that pulls data from FMCSA and other sources and provides a user-friendly layout, interactive capabilities and focus on highlighting relevant issues are critical to making informed decisions for your trucking company. 

What are the CAB scores and what do they mean?

The traffic light displays the inspection recommendation for carriers with sufficient data to calculate a safety score:

The FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) operational model is a scoring system created by the FMCSA as a safety and enforcement initiative. Their scoring model is broken down into Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs).  

The BASIC scores are calculated by categorizing and weighing violations and accidents into one of the following categories: Unsafe Driving, Fatigued Driving, Driver Fitness, Controlled Substances, Vehicle Maintenance, and Cargo-Related. The BASIC scores are updated on a monthly basis.  Watch very carefully for Alerts as these are significant red flags and can lead to problems with your overall Safety Rating Categories noted below. 

3 Safety Rating Categories

• Green Light – Satisfactory Safety Rating – The DOT has issued a Satisfactory rating after conducting a ratable compliance review.
• Yellow Light – Conditional Safety Rating – The DOT has issued a Conditional Safety Rating as a result of a ratable compliance review. When the DOT issues this rating they give the motor carrier a list of items that need to be corrected. Once the motor carrier has addressed the issues it is their responsibility to reach out to the DOT to have them come out and hopefully upgrade to a Satisfactory rating. The list is not published for the public and is only available to the motor carrier.
• Red Light – Unsatisfactory Safety Rating – The DOT has issued an Unsatisfactory rating after conducting a ratable compliance review.

Why is CAB important?

For Contract Carriers – Highlights areas where you can improve both driver behavior and vehicle maintenance, saving you money in potential fines and accident reduction. Accidents cost you money in deductible costs, down-time of the vehicle and driver and administrative costs associated with the claim. Additionally, many, if not most, insurance companies will not entertain coverage for companies that have Conditional or Unsatisfactory Ratings. Your options for insurance quotes will become dramatically reduced. 

For Insurance Companies – Underwriters look at the overall rating, any out of service scores and severe violations. They will match the data contained in the report to the application for insurance, so it is important to keep up with proper reporting of changes in operations including vehicles and drivers.  

How can I improve my CAB?

• First, be aware of what the report shows and make sure the information is accurate. 
• Set up a regular vehicle maintenance program and conduct vehicle inspections at least weekly to make sure the vehicles systems are all operational.  
• Maintain a record of your own vehicle inspections and any maintenance and instruct drivers to report any problems immediately.
• Driving behavior is critical. Train drivers on the issues that will produce violations including severe violations.  Cell phone usage is one on the most commonly seen severe violations and distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents.
• This report will also show related entities and when vehicles are being shared. We caution you against sharing vehicles as it does have coverage implications that could lead to coverage problems. 

We hope you find this information useful! If you have any questions, please contact your Customer Service Representative.

Renee Paul is vice president of BizCHOICE Transportation, a division of Specialty Program Group, LLC. Renee has been instrumental in creating contract carrier insurance programs for the Heavy Bulk Last Mile Delivery segment of the transportation industry. She also has experience integrating a variety of technology solutions with insurance offerings to promote safety and compliance across transportation networks and logistics companies. Renee earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Management and Administration from Humboldt State University, and is a licensed broker in Accident, Life and Health, Property and Casualty and Surplus Lines.

Renee Paul is vice president of sales at BizChoice Transportation, a division of Specialty Program Group, LLC. Renee has been instrumental in creating contract carrier insurance programs for the Last or Final Mile Delivery segment of the transportation industry. She also has experience integrating a variety of technology solutions with insurance offerings to promote safety and compliance across transportation networks and logistics companies. Renee earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Management and Administration from Humboldt State University, and is a licensed broker in Accident, Life and Health, Property and Casualty and Surplus Lines.