---
title: "What is SMS?"
description: "The Safety Measurement System that calculates CSA BASIC percentiles."
canonical: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/sms
last_updated: 2026-10-15
---

# What is SMS?

The Safety Measurement System that calculates CSA BASIC percentiles.

SMS uses 24 months of inspection and crash data, weighted by severity and recency, to measure carriers in each BASIC.

Carriers can see their full SMS results by logging in to the FMCSA portal. Many property-carrier percentiles are hidden from the public.

## Learn more

-   [CSA Scores Explained: The 7 BASICs and How to Improve Them](/csa-scores)
-   [FMCSA SAFER System: How to Read a Company Snapshot](/fmcsa-safer-system)

Check your DOT number

---
Canonical URL: https://mydotcheck.com/glossary/sms
Title: What is SMS?