Running a successful delivery operation takes more than getting packages to their final destination. With thousands of trucks out on the road every day, accidents are inevitable. It is each contractor’s responsibility to make sure their team is equipped with the knowledge and skills to operate safely and avoid preventable accidents. Additionally, every roadside and vehicle inspection is taken into consideration and can influence your Compliance, Safety, Accountability ( CSA) scores, and ultimately, your ability to keep operating.
The good news? Many of the top violations are preventable. Here are the top three CSA categories that have the most impact on contractors – and best practices to avoid them.
- Unsafe Driving: Speed and Simple Mistakes
Common Violations:
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- Speeding (15+ mph over the limit)
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- Failure to obey traffic control devices
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- Lane restriction violations
These are behavior-based violations that reflect directly on driver habits. Not only do they carry high severity weights under CSA, but they also affect your Safety Results Indicator (SRI).
How to Avoid It:
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- Use your video event data recorder (VEDR) system to coach drivers on unsafe habits
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- Prioritize ride-alongs and real-time feedback
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- Clearly enforce speed expectations—especially the difference between posted vs. contract speeds
- Vehicle Maintenance: The Simple Stuff That Stops You
Common Violations:
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- Inoperable lamps
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- Worn or flat tires
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- Air brake issues
These are often caught during routine roadside inspections and carry the potential for Out-of-Service (OOS) orders—meaning your driver is benched and your delivery schedule is impacted.
How to Avoid It:
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- Require pre-trip inspections with documented checklists
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- Audit your maintenance logs monthly
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- Train drivers to spot issues before DOT does
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- Perform preventative maintenance
- Driver Fitness: The Silent Score Killer
Common Violations:
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- No valid medical certificate
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- No Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or improperly endorsed license
These violations may not be as visible as speeding or a tire blowout, but they’re just as damaging. In some cases, a driver might be fully unaware they’ve fallen out of compliance until it’s too late.
How to Avoid It:
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- Maintain a current file for every driver, including their CDL and medical card
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- Use a compliance calendar or software to track renewals
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- Spot- check records monthly to catch issues early
Don’t Let the Small Things Sink You!
Many violations stem from preventable errors—things like skipped walk-arounds, expired paperwork, or assuming a driver knows the rules. Use your data. Use your cameras. And above all, use your leadership to set expectations that protect your team and your contract.
CSA scores aren’t just numbers—they’re the story you’re telling the DOT. Make sure it’s one of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.