FMCSA Aims to Improve DataQs Process
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Federal trucking regulators have issued a public notice reopening a lingering 2023 proposal seeking additional comments on how to improve the DataQs process that allows motor carriers to challenge the accuracy of data stored in state and federal records.
DataQs is an online system for carriers, commercial motor vehicle drivers and other interested parties to request and track a review of federal and state crash and inspection data submitted to and stored by the .
“This system is critical to allowing users to ensure the data FMCSA maintains on them is accurate and complete,” the June 30 agency notice said. “Users can review their own data and request corrections to erroneous or incomplete data records.”
FMCSA received 54 docket comments in response to the 2023 FR notice before it closed in November 2023. The commenters included motor carriers, drivers, owner-operators, industry associations, safety consultants and members of the enforcement community.
FMCSA is proposing updates to how states handle crash & inspection data review requests through DataQs. We want your input!
Comments due Sept 2, 2025
— FMCSA (@FMCSA)
Among the goals for the DataQs review is to transfer more responsibility to the states, according to the notice.
The agency’s response to the first round of stakeholder comments outlined some of its notions of what can and can’t be changed in the system. The review of the appeals process has been intended to benefit users by ensuring their appeals are reviewed in an independent and thorough manner, as well as providing timelines for when the initial request and appeals process should be completed.
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“The majority of the [public] comments were balanced in tone and supportive of FMCSA’s proposal to develop and implement a federal appeals process for requests for data reviews,” FMCSA said. “Many of the commenters provided suggestions on improving the proposed appeals process and DataQs program more broadly.”
FMCSA said it also is proposing revisions to the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program Grant requirements. “These revised requirements would provide necessary guardrails for the request for data review process, accountability for states and empower states to take more complete ownership of their DataQs programs,” the agency said.
FMCSA said commenters have requested more impartiality, uniformity and transparency in the request for data review (RDR) process. However, after review and consideration of these comments, FMCSA has determined its initial proposal for a federal-level appeals process would insufficiently address the due process issues that exist with state-reviewed RDRs.
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“Instead, FMCSA is proposing an approach to improve the fundamental fairness of the RDR process by implementing sufficient process guardrails for states,” the agency said. “Changes would benefit users by ensuring appeals are reviewed in an independent, impartial, uniform and transparent manner, as well as providing timelines for the initial request and appeals process.”
FMCSA said it does not agree with the suggestion to remove all data related to pending RDRs from public view. “Removing this data creates opportunities for requesters to improve their safety records in the short term by submitting frivolous RDRs, which would impact the efficacy of the DataQs program and other FMCSA safety programs.”
The agency said it will continue to display all motor carrier safety data (i.e., crashes, inspections and investigations) on its websites. It also said it concurs with comments calling for the use of a review panel to monitor the DataQs process.
