Full explanation
An out-of-service (OOS) order is an enforcement action issued by FMCSA or state safety inspectors that immediately removes a carrier, driver, or vehicle from operation due to safety violations. OOS orders are issued when violations present an imminent hazard to public safety and cannot wait for standard enforcement timelines. There are three levels: vehicle OOS (mechanical defects like brake failure, tire condition, or lighting), driver OOS (hours-of-service violations, impairment, invalid CDL), and carrier OOS (systemic safety failures affecting the entire operation). A carrier-level OOS order — the most severe — shuts down the entire fleet until violations are corrected and FMCSA lifts the order. Truck Graph tracks 23,000 out-of-service orders in its database. The national average OOS rate is approximately 21.4% for vehicles and 5.51% for drivers during roadside inspections. Carriers with OOS rates significantly above these averages face increased audit likelihood and potential authority revocation.
Source: FMCSA: Out-of-Service Criteria
Frequently asked questions
How long does an out-of-service order last?
An OOS order remains in effect until the carrier corrects all identified violations and provides documentation to FMCSA. For vehicle OOS, this can be hours (roadside repair). For carrier OOS, it can be weeks or months depending on the systemic issues involved.
What happens if a carrier violates an OOS order?
Operating under an active OOS order is a federal offense with fines up to $32,208 per violation per day. Repeated violations can result in criminal prosecution and permanent authority revocation.
Does an OOS order appear on a carrier's permanent record?
Yes. All OOS orders are permanently recorded in FMCSA's safety database and visible on Truck Graph carrier profiles. They factor into risk scoring and audit prioritization indefinitely.