1. Understanding Out-of-Service (OOS) Orders
An Out-of-Service (OOS) order is a formal regulatory directive issued by the FMCSA or state law enforcement prohibiting a motor carrier, commercial vehicle, or driver from operating on public highways until specific safety violations are resolved.
There are two primary categories of OOS occurrences: roadside inspection OOS conditions and federal administrative OOS orders.
2. Driver vs. Vehicle OOS Rates
Roadside inspection data tracks how frequently a carrier's drivers or equipment are placed out of service during random North American Standard inspections:
- Driver OOS Rate: Measures violations such as Hours-of-Service (HOS) log non-compliance or improper licensing. National average is approximately 5.51%.
- Vehicle OOS Rate: Measures equipment safety issues like brake defects, bald tires, or lighting malfunctions. National average is approximately 20.72%.