What Is FMCSA Safety Rating in Trucking?
Also called: Conditional Safety Rating, Satisfactory Safety Rating, Unsatisfactory Safety Rating, DOT Safety Rating
An FMCSA safety rating is a grade the agency gives a motor carrier after a compliance review: satisfactory, conditional or unsatisfactory. Satisfactory means the carrier has adequate safety management controls. Conditional means it does not, and that could cause problems. An unsatisfactory carrier is barred from operating. A carrier with no rating is called unrated.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 21, 2026
Key Points
- Satisfactory means the carrier has adequate safety management controls in place and working. Conditional means it lacks adequate controls, which could result in the problems listed in 49 CFR 385.5. Unsatisfactory means it lacks them and the problems have happened (49 CFR 385.3)
- An unrated carrier is one the FMCSA has not rated (49 CFR 385.3)
- FMCSA assigns a rating after a compliance review. A safety audit does not result in a rating (49 CFR 385.3 and 385.9)
- The rating weighs 11 areas, such as CDL rules, insurance, driver qualification, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, hazmat and accidents (385.5)
- FMCSA sends written notice within 30 days. A satisfactory rating is final on the notice date. Others are proposed first. They become final after 45 days for placarded hazmat or passenger carriers, or 60 days for all others (385.11)
- An unsatisfactory carrier is barred from operating a CMV on the 46th day (hazmat or passenger carriers) or the 61st day (others) after the notice of a proposed rating (385.13)
- Only unsatisfactory carriers are barred from operating. A conditional rating is not a ban (385.13)
- A carrier can ask for a rating change at any time after it fixes the problems (385.17(a))
What is an FMCSA safety rating?
It is the grade FMCSA gives a motor carrier on whether it meets the safety fitness standard. There are three ratings: satisfactory, conditional and unsatisfactory. A carrier with no rating is unrated (49 CFR 385.3). A carrier can go unrated, because FMCSA assigns a rating only after a compliance review. A safety audit of a new carrier does not result in a rating.
What is a conditional safety rating?
It means the carrier lacks adequate safety management controls to meet the safety standard. That could result in problems in areas such as CDL rules, insurance, unqualified drivers, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, hazmat or accidents (49 CFR 385.3 and 385.5). A conditional carrier is not barred from operating. Only unsatisfactory carriers are (385.13). A carrier can fix the problems and ask for a better rating (385.17).
How does a carrier get a safety rating?
FMCSA does a compliance review. It looks at records such as hours of service, maintenance, driver qualification, CDL rules, insurance, accidents and hazmat (49 CFR 385.3). It weighs factors such as roadside violations, out-of-service rates and the number of accidents (385.7). It sends the carrier written notice of the rating not later than 30 days after the review (385.11). The CSA score is a separate measure.
What happens if a carrier is rated unsatisfactory?
A proposed unsatisfactory rating warns the carrier that FMCSA has preliminarily found it unfit. If it does not improve, the ban starts on the 46th day after the notice for hazmat or passenger carriers, and the 61st day for others. FMCSA may allow other carriers up to 60 more days if they show a good-faith effort (49 CFR 385.13). Once the rating is final, FMCSA orders its operations out of service. It then revokes its operating authority. Federal agencies may not use an unsatisfactory carrier.
How can a carrier change a safety rating?
A carrier can ask for a rating change at any time after fixing the problems. It sends a written request with proof of its corrective actions (49 CFR 385.17). FMCSA reviews a request from an unsatisfactory carrier within 30 days for hazmat or passenger carriers, and 45 days for others. A carrier that thinks FMCSA made an error can ask for an administrative review. The request is due within 90 days of the proposed or final rating. To get a decision before the ban starts, file within 15 days (385.15).
How do you check a carrier's safety rating?
Look the carrier up on FMCSA's SAFER website, which shows its current rating (49 CFR 385.13(a)). Check the rating before you lease on or book with a carrier. Look at its authority and insurance too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an FMCSA safety rating?+
A rating of satisfactory, conditional or unsatisfactory that FMCSA gives a motor carrier after a compliance review (49 CFR 385.3 and 385.9). A carrier with no rating is unrated.
What does a conditional safety rating mean?+
The carrier lacks adequate safety management controls to meet the safety fitness standard. That could result in the problems in 49 CFR 385.5. A conditional carrier may still operate.
How do you get rid of a conditional safety rating?+
Fix the problems and send a written request to FMCSA with proof of corrective actions. A carrier may ask for a rating change at any time (49 CFR 385.17).
What is a good DOT safety rating?+
Satisfactory is the best rating FMCSA gives. A carrier with no rating is called unrated, which means FMCSA has not assigned one.
How do I check a carrier's safety rating?+
On FMCSA's SAFER website, which shows a carrier's most current safety rating (49 CFR 385.13(a)).
Is a safety rating the same as a CSA score?+
No. A safety rating comes from a compliance review under 49 CFR part 385. The CSA score is a separate measure of roadside inspection and crash data.
How long does a carrier have to fix an unsatisfactory rating?+
A hazmat or passenger carrier is barred starting the 46th day after the notice of a proposed rating. Other carriers are barred from the 61st day. They may get up to 60 more days for a good-faith effort (49 CFR 385.13).
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This is industry terminology and typical practice. It is not legal or tax advice. Rates, fees, and rules mentioned are general ranges. Confirm the details on your rate confirmation, carrier agreement, or a current official source.