FMCSA, BASIC, and carrier terms

Definitional explainers for the terms that appear in a Hoffman Report. Each page is a plain-English definition, with how the term appears in the report and the related terms it connects to.

Federal data sources and process

• FMCSA Company Census (MCS-150) — the federal carrier registration record
• FMCSA SMS — the federal safety scoring system
• BASIC measures — the seven safety categories
• FMCSA safety rating — the formal rating from compliance reviews
• DataQs correction process — disputing federal data

BASIC categories

• Unsafe Driving
• Hours-of-Service Compliance
• Driver Fitness
• Controlled Substances/Alcohol
• Vehicle Maintenance
• Hazardous Materials Compliance
• Crash Indicator

Operational classifications

• Auto-hauler classification
• Drop-and-hook operations
• MC authority
• Peer-cohort grading method (ProHRHQ)

Workforce classification

• 1099 vs W-2 driver classification
• PEO (Professional Employer Organization)

The reference hub is in active build. Additional explainers — TWIC, Hazmat endorsements, ELD compliance, SAP-clear status, and others — are coming as the hub expands.