What does “out of service” mean on a carrier record?

Out-of-service orders

Federal rules define an out-of-service order as a declaration by an authorized federal, state, Canadian, Mexican or local enforcement officer that a driver, a commercial motor vehicle or a motor carrier operation is out of service. The definition covers orders issued under several rules, including FMCSA’s imminent hazard rule and the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.

Under the imminent hazard rule, when violations pose an imminent hazard to safety, FMCSA orders a vehicle or driver out of service, or orders the employer to stop all or part of its commercial motor vehicle operations.

The SAFER Snapshot shows the out-of-service date in the company’s USDOT information, so treat a date there as concerning the company until you have confirmed what it covers. Do not book a carrier with a current order. If the carrier says an old order was lifted, ask for the paperwork and check the current status on the record.

Other ways a carrier can be barred from operating

A carrier that does not pay a civil penalty in full within 90 days after the date set in FMCSA’s final order is prohibited from operating in interstate commerce from the 91st day until FMCSA receives full payment. In the same situation, the registration of a for-hire carrier or a broker is suspended.

A carrier with an Unsatisfactory safety rating is generally prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle. For most carriers the prohibition starts on the 61st day after FMCSA’s notice of a proposed Unsatisfactory rating; for carriers of placarded hazardous materials and passenger carriers it starts on the 46th day.

Out-of-service rates from inspections

The inspection table on the Snapshot lists vehicle, driver and hazmat inspections, how many were placed out of service, the out-of-service percentage and the national average. SAFER notes that the inspections may not include every part and accessory.

These rates describe what happened at roadside inspections; they are not orders against the company. A rate well above the national average is a reason to ask questions. A carrier with only a few inspections can show a high percentage from a single bad inspection, and a carrier with none has no rate at all, which is not the same as a good one.

How to use it when booking

1. Look at the out-of-service date on the SAFER Snapshot. None means no out-of-service order is on the record.
2. If there is a date, do not tender until you understand it, and check the USDOT status and operating authority status at the same time.
3. Read the inspection table: number of inspections, out-of-service percentage and national average.
4. Check the safety rating, because an Unsatisfactory rating generally means the carrier may not operate. What a safety rating means.
5. Ask the carrier about anything unusual, and note the answer and the date in the load file.
6. Recheck repeat carriers before each load, because orders can be issued at any time.

What to watch out for

• Reading “out of service” in one place and assuming it means the same thing everywhere. Check whether it is an order or an inspection rate.
• An out-of-service order explained away by phone. Confirm what the record says today.
• A carrier that starts operating under a new name or number soon after an order. Compare addresses, phone numbers and officers with the old record.
• Assuming a clean out-of-service history means the person on the phone works for the carrier. How to spot a fake carrier.