SaferSys was started by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to provide safety data to the public. You’ll also find this system called the Safer System. What the system offers is a glimpse into the safety of many companies in the transportation industry.
Accessing the SaferSys
FMCSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) provides in-depth company safety data online. When you log into the system called SAFER Web, you’ll be able to search through SAFER FMCSA databases using the following information:
- Company name
- DOT Number
- MC/MX Number
Users of the platform can use it for a variety of reasons that go beyond a basic safety search. You can use the platform to:
- Request company safety profiles
- Pay fines online
- Register for a USDOT number
- Challenge any erroneous data
- Find registration information
Additional information is available through SaferSys.
The FMCSA searches that can be performed include:
- Analysis & Information (A&I) Online
- Cargo Tank
- Company Snapshot
- Crash Rate & Inspection Out of Service (OOS) Rates for Hazardous Materials Safety Permit Program
- FMCSA Registration Forms
- Licensing & Insurance
- Orders to Cease Operation (OCO)/Out of Service Orders (OSO)
- Shipper Verification of Carrier Hazardous Material Safety Permit (HMSP)
- Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
Safer Web System Information
SaferSys can be broken down into multiple areas:
Company Snapshot
The Company Snapshot is a record of safety that’s provided to the public over the Internet. Information is provided free of charge, and the electronic record includes the follow information about a company:
- Commodity information
- Company identification
- Company size
- Safety record
Any company snapshot information is requested in an ad-hoc query, with only one carrier request at a time.
Company Safety Profile
A safety profile is available for a fee and must be pre-ordered. The profile may have more advanced features and information available in the future, as stated on the website, but no further information has been provided.
Electronic Screening
Law enforcement personnel can use the electronic screening service for commercial vehicles. Electronic screening allows personnel to have a better understanding of which vehicles have a higher chance of failing inspection.
Intelligent Transportation System
The Department of Transportation provides the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) that is designed to help:
- Improve roadway safety
- Reduce air pollution
- Reduce delays
- Improve commercial vehicle productivity
The ITS uses advanced technology to achieve all four of the goals above.
Roadside Inspection Systems
Roadside inspection systems can provide in-depth information to roadside inspection stations, including information on the:
- Carrier
- Driver safety
- Vehicle
Inspections can be performed on drivers, vehicles or carriers that have a higher number of safety issues. Historical information allows for accurate, more precise inspections.
SAFER Database
SAFER collects and uses data from a variety of pre-existing databases. The information available comes from two main data points:
- Interstate carrier data
- Intrastate carrier data
States provide a lot of the data on safety records. Inspection and crash data are available for interstate carriers, with the platform planning to add intrastate carrier information in the future.
How Up to Date is the Information on Safer Web?
SaferSys aims to update their system daily, and all of the company snapshot information is updated each day. The only data that is not updated daily is:
- Inspection information
- Crash information
These two data points are updated weekly. SAFESTAT information, primarily the scores, are updated once per month.
Information is gathered from multiple databases, and as long as those databases remain updated and active, SAFER FMCSA will remain highly accurate.
How Far Back Does SaferSys Go?
The platform provides a variety of different data with different retention rates. A good example of the data and how long of a history is provided includes:
- Historical company safety rating data and reviews provide only the most recent information that is available.
- Crash counts and inspection data on a Company Snapshot page is available for up to a period of 24 months.
- Vehicle inspection reports remain on the database for a period of 180 days.
SaferSys aims to provide the most accurate, updated information to users.
How Much is a SAFER Company Safety Profile?
Anyone can request a company safety profile through the platform. Profiles have a fee of $20, but law enforcement personnel can access all of the information for free. You can pay for the profile using an American Express or Discover card.
When it comes to driver information, there are only two authorities that can request this information:
- Company that employs the driver
- Law enforcement
SaferSys offers a robust set of data that users can access and request at any time. The data allows for a snapshot of safety information and greater inspection stop efficiency. SaferSys maintains data that is up-to-date and connects to numerous databases to provide a clear snapshot on company and driver safety.
Users can register on the site for free and can access valuable safe-related data using just a USDOT or MC number to conduct a search.