TEXARKANA, Texas A trucking industry consulting and training services company has set up a website designed to help truck and bus operators learn about and understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 initiative.

Vertical Alliance Group Inc. of Texarkana said its website will help companies across the U.S. and Canada adapt and proactively prepare for the federal safety initiative. The website is www.CSA2010.com.

CSA2010 is a major FMCSA program designed to improve the effectiveness of the agency's compliance and enforcement efforts. Its goal is to achieve a significant reduction in large truck and bus crashes, injuries and fatalities, while maximizing the resources of the FMCSA and its state partners. (See July 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.)

CSA2010 will grade motor carriers and individual drivers in seven areas, or BASICs, and their scores will determine what action the FMCSA will take to bring the carrier and its drivers into compliance.

The CSA2010.com website contains a wide assortment of information, some from the FMCSA, some from state departments of transportation, and some from carriers who have gone through the initial test phase of the CSA2010 assessments.

On the site, users will find extensive information about how the FMCSA will assess carriers under the initiative, as well as the consequences that both carriers and individual drivers could face if found out of compliance.

Kirk Lohse, director of marketing for Vertical Alliance Group said CSA 2010 is incredibly comprehensive in its scope. "Prior to CSA 2010, only about 8 percent of motor carriers nationwide were reviewed each year. Under this new initiative, all carriers and drivers will be assessed and there are strict penalties for being out of compliance."

By educating themselves about the initiative, companies can minimize fines, interventions and corrective action plans, said Lohse.