Imagine being told that one of your trucks was put out of service at a weigh station in a state where you don’t even operate. Upon further investigation, you confirm what you already know: it’s not your truck or driver.

The longer you wait to straighten things out, the more likely this bad data will cost you real money (insurance, reputation, CSA scores). How do you correct the error?

DataQs Challenges for Fleets

DataQs can help fix inaccurate data on your motor carrier’s record. It’s an electronic system designed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that enables users to file Requests for Data Review (RDR). RDRs challenge data in the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS).

MCMIS is a federal database that houses roadside inspection reports, DOT-recordable crashes, and investigation results. DataQs can be used by drivers, motor carriers, federal and state agencies, the public, and industry to file concerns about federal and state data maintained in the MCMIS. However, users must sign up for a DataQs account to submit an RDR.

When to Submit an RDR

Common reasons to submit RDRs include:

• A misidentified carrier on a roadside inspection or crash report,
• A known roadside inspection not appearing in the carrier’s data,
• A request for a copy of a roadside inspection report,
• An erroneous roadside inspection violation,
• An accident not meeting the definition of a DOT-recordable crash, and
• A non-preventable crash.  

Build Your Case

The DataQs site guides you through the RDR process. It asks for the request type, reason for your request, a short narrative explaining your challenge, and any supporting documents. To be successful, a DataQs filing must support your arguments.

You need to build your case, so make sure to:

• Know what really happened by interviewing all involved and investigating the facts. Don’t take someone’s word for it.
• Check the regulations and official interpretations.  
• Put together a well-thought-out argument to be used in the narrative.
• Upload supporting documents and pictures.

Be clear on what you’re challenging. This includes:

• Be specific, not general.
• Reference correct regulations and interpretations.
• State facts, not opinions.
• Be clear, concise, and accurate.

Note that successful DataQs’ decisions have no effect on traffic tickets, but positive results in traffic court can be used as supporting documentation in a DataQs challenge.

What About the Decision?

After the challenge is filed, the FMCSA doesn’t make the determination. Instead, the agency automatically forwards the RDR to the appropriate state motor carrier safety office, where it is reviewed and investigated. Generally, a filer should hear back within 14 days, even if only to confirm they are working on it. 

If the RDR is denied, the carrier can challenge the state’s decision. However, states will only entertain challenges to the initial decision if additional information is provided. Even though the FMCSA reviews all challenges, they don’t intervene in RDR outcomes. They consider the state’s decision as final.

One key item to remember!When developing a case for DataQs, remember that you must prove your claims by building your case and providing supporting documentation. Failing to do so will negatively impact your motor carrier’s safety data and your bottom line.