Target File

PRISM developed a file that contains the carriers in MCSIP and the vehicles associated with those carriers registered in PRISM states.

States provide vehicle data on a nightly basis to SAFER. The vehicle data contains registration information on each vehicle assigned to a motor carrier in MCSIP. The PRISM Central Site combines all MCSIP vehicle data from the states each business night to update the PRISM Targeted Carrier and PRISM Targeted Vehicle files.

At roadside, these carriers and vehicles should be targeted for inspection. Also if the carrier is under an OOS order, the vehicle should not be allowed to continue to operate.

Target File Data Access

There are multiple methods to obtain targeted carrier and targeted vehicle information. Below are descriptions of the methods. As you will see, Query Central provides up-to-the minute information on OOSO. ISS information provides adequate information for determining if an inspection should be done, however, due to the timeliness additional queries should be done before enforcing an OOSO to be sure it is still in effect.

Query Central

Query Central provides inquiry capability by USDOT Number for Carriers and either the VIN or the Plate Number and State for vehicles. Query Central uses the SAFER-PRISM database for much of its data and also uses the MCMIS database for Out-of-Service order information. Query Central is available via FMCSA's portal, but is also accessible directly through either a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection or a connection through AAMVA. Query Central is the timeliest of all the query methods and has the up-to-the minute date information on OOS orders.

Also, when a Cab Card is scanned into Query Central, the USDOT Number and VIN are automatically populated in the search fields.

PRISM Web Services

PRISM Web Services provides real-time query capability for client systems accessing PRISM Target File data. The Web Services allow PRISM states to do queries to the PRISM central site to check carrier and vehicle status. As an example scenario, a roadside officer issues a carrier or vehicle inquiry to a PRISM state system, the PRISM state system performs a web services query to the PRISM Web Services and passes the response back to the roadside.

PRISM NLETS Query

In addition to the NLETS vehicle queries already available to law enforcement, PRISM provides inquiry capability by USDOT Number for a Carrier Status Request (ACQ) and either VIN or License Plate and State for Vehicle Status Request (AVQ) for targeted information. NLETS uses the SAFER-PRISM database for both Carrier and Vehicle inquiries.

The following messages will be returned depending on the value of the MCSIP Step:

• Carrier is NOT Targeted
• Carrier is Targeted
• Carrier is Under Federal OOSO
• Carrier Registration is Suspended/Revoked
• Carrier is Under Federal OOSO AND Carrier Registration is Suspended/Revoked

SAFER Website

The SAFER website can be accessed through the Internet at http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and provides inquiry capability by USDOT Number or Name for motor carrier data. The SAFER Website uses the SAFER-PRISM database for their inquiries.

ISS

The Inspection Selection System (ISS) contains motor carrier data on all motor carriers. The ISS data file is made available on a monthly basis and can be downloaded from http://infosys.fmcsa.dot.gov by States and distributed to law enforcement personnel for use in their laptop computer systems. Technical Support still supplies several states with CDs. This information is not as timely as the other methods described above.

Data Timeliness

PRISM Carrier Census Data

Click on the image below to view a full-size version

The timeliest data for carrier information is Query Central. Real time information of the OOSO is retrieved directly from MCMIS and displayed on Query Central.

PRISM Vehicle Registration Data

Click on the image below to view a full-size version

The timeliest data for specific vehicle information is the routine NLETS from state systems. Some states provide real-time while others update nightly. The additional NLETS query for targeted information is on a one-day delay.