FAQ
How is the ECM Data Imaging service priced?
We will work with you to gather some information about the assignment, including when the job needs to be done, where it is, and the condition of the truck. Once we have that information, we will offer you an all-inclusive, flat fee to retrieve the data. The total price is generally under $2500.
Exactly what is included in your flat fee?
For the flat fee we quote you, we will download all the publicly available data from the ECM and inspect the physical features of the tractor that can affect the accuracy of the data. We provide two copies of the complete data package. Afterwards, we'll review the data and briefly consult with you on what has been obtained.
How will I get the data from MSC?
After retrieving the data, we'll provide you with printed and electronic copies of the data, as well as the engine service tool's original data files. Many ECMs can contain 40-200 pages of data, and we've worked to develop a "user friendly" format so that the data are more easily accessible to the client. Usually we can have the complete data package compiled and in the mail to you within 36 hours.
I'd rather have my client pay the bill. Is that possible?
Yes. If you would rather refer us to your client so that we're working for her or him, we can do that too.
Can you work as a "third party" expert?
Absolutely. There have been numerous occasions where both parties in a litigated matter have agreed to hire us to retrieve ECM data and provide identical copies to everyone involved.
How can I find out if a truck has a "black box"?
The first step is to decode the VIN from the tractor. Services like Gates Heavy Duty VIN Decoder (free) or R. L. Polk & Co.'s VINtelligence ($0.75-$1.25 per VIN) should get you the detailed vehicle data. From there, you can take a look at the ECM Field Guide, authored by Trooper Tim Austin (WSP) and MSC, or you can visit the website MSC developed on Heavy Vehicle EDRs, which also provides this information.
I need to get data from a Mack Truck. How do I do that?
Mack Trucks, Inc. has not made their data retrieval system public. Instead, Mack has appointed two Third Party Providers for this service. You can learn more about that service here.
How much does data analysis cost?
That really depends on what type of analysis you need to have performed. We are happy to provide our clients with an initial consultation about the data as part of the extraction service. If you require additional expert services, such as research, report writing, detailed mathematical analysis, or testimony, our rate is $200 per hour.
Can you testify to ECM data imaging and analysis?
Yes. MSC provides litigation support and proactive safety-related assistance on a routine basis. Our consultants have provided expert testimony in ECM and EDR data-related issues across the United States.
Are you "certified" to image and analyze ECM data?
There is currently no blanket "certification" in heavy truck downloads. However, there is one class that is offered on the subject of forensic data retrieval and evaluation. The class is provided through the University of Tulsa's Continuing Engineering and Science Education program and was developed and is taught by Bill Messerschmidt, Ron Baade, and Dr. Jeremy Daily. Learn more about the class.
I'm an attorney/insurance adjuster/claims rep/safety manager. Can I hire you?
Of course. MSC provides this service to attorneys for plaintiffs and civil defendants, district attorneys, insurance companies, and trucking fleets on a regular basis. The purpose of this website is to offer our services to other engineering and forensic science firms and to law enforcement agencies.
Will you walk me though doing a download by phone?
No. We encourage those who are interested in performing this kind of work to make the investment in the training, education, and technology required to do it.
Why not just have the technicians at a local dealership perform the download?
For the same reason you shouldn't hire us to fix an injector problem in a diesel engine. Fixing a diesel engine (what a technician does) and performing a forensic download or image are two different things. Sometimes the technician gets it right (and there's absolutely no reason a good diesel technician can't learn to do this). In other cases that we've been involved in, clients have had to spend many thousands of dollars to correct the errors caused by a person who was working outside of his or her expertise.
Do you have a flyer or brochure I can download and print?
Yes, please download our brochure.
Where can I learn more about MSC?
To learn more about MSC, including information on our professional staff and the services we provide, visit our company's website or call our office at 205.444.0071.
