When it comes to keeping roads safe, especially from the risks posed by commercial vehicles, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) plays a big role. One of their key tools is the Inspection Selection System (ISS), which helps inspectors decide which trucks and buses to check for safety issues. Leveraging much of the same data used to calculate a carrier's CSA score, the ISS score is a condensed score that lets enforcement officials know if a carrier has a good reputation and can bypass inspections or if they need to be stopped. But what exactly is an ISS score, and how does it work? Let’s dive in.
What Is an ISS Score?
The ISS score is like a report card for trucking and bus companies. It’s a number between 1 and 100 that tells inspectors how likely a company is to have safety issues. The higher the score, the more likely a company will be inspected. Here’s a breakdown of what the scores mean:
- 75 to 100: Inspect – The company is a high priority for inspection.
- 50 to 74: Optional – Inspectors can choose whether to inspect based on resources.
- 1 to 49: Pass – The company is considered lower risk and usually won’t need inspection.
This system helps inspectors focus their efforts on companies that need the most attention, making roads safer for everyone.
Using ISS scores helps enforcement to reduce congestion at inspection sites. This allows safe carriers to deliver their loads uninterrupted while making sure that "at risk" carriers are doing their part to keep safe and compliant.
How Is the ISS Score Calculated?
The ISS score is heavily influenced by a carrier's performance in seven key areas in the Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs).
These are monitored under the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) and evaluated over a 24-month period. Each BASIC is assessed with a percentile score from 0 to 100, where 100 indicates the worst performance. These BASICs include:
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- Unsafe Driving: Reckless or dangerous driving.
- Hours of Service (HOS) Compliance: Drivers staying within legal work-hour limits.
- Driver Fitness: Ensuring drivers are properly licensed and healthy.
- Controlled Substances and Alcohol: Operating without impairment.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Keeping vehicles in good working order.
- Hazardous Materials Compliance: Safely handling dangerous materials.
- Crash Indicator: History of crashes and their severity.
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1. Out-of-Service Orders (OOS)
If a carrier has been issued an Out-of-Service Order (OOS), their ISS score is automatically set to 100, placing them in the highest inspection priority. These orders indicate severe safety issues that require immediate corrective action.
2. Serious Violations
Certain violations, such as operating without insurance or failing to implement an alcohol and drug testing program, are flagged as Serious Violations. If a carrier has a Serious Violation, it can result in an automatic adjustment of their ISS score:
- If the violation applies to a specific BASIC, that BASIC’s score is set to 100.
- If there’s no specific BASIC linked to the violation, the ISS score is capped at 74.
3. Crash Data
The ISS score incorporates crash data reported by states. A carrier with a history of crashes—especially those involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage—receives higher scores. This data is combined with other safety metrics to assess overall risk.
4. Data Sufficiency
The calculation considers whether a carrier has enough safety data to evaluate. Two algorithms are used:
- Safety Algorithm: Applies to carriers with sufficient data to generate BASIC percentiles (Existing carriers).
- Insufficient Data Algorithm: Used for carriers with limited or no recent data (New carriers).
Insufficient Data Algorithm:
- Carriers close to meeting data sufficiency thresholds (e.g., needing one more inspection for a complete BASIC assessment) are prioritized.
- For carriers with no inspection history, estimates are based on company size, including the number of vehicles or drivers.
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5. Violation History
Violation history plays a central role in calculating the ISS score. For example:
- High Violation Rates: Carriers with a high percentage of inspections resulting in violations get higher scores.
- Type and Severity of Violations: Serious violations like brake system defects or drug-related offenses are weighted more heavily than minor infractions.
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6. Carrier Size
For carriers with insufficient inspection history, size information (number of vehicles or drivers) is used to assess risk:
- Larger fleets with no recent inspections are flagged as higher priority since their broader presence increases potential risks.
- 7. Prioritization Rules
The final ISS score assigns carriers into tiers based on their calculated risk:
- 75–100: "Inspect" – High-priority carriers.
- 50–74: "Optional" – Medium-priority carriers.
- 1–49: "Pass" – Low-priority carriers.
How Are ISS Scores Collected by DOT?
ISS scores are used by DOT at roadside and at designated inspection stations and are collected in 2 ways:
1. Digital Access to FMCSA Systems
Officials access the ISS score through FMCSA's systems, which include:
- Query Central (QC): A centralized system that allows enforcement personnel to retrieve carrier information using a USDOT number, Operating Authority (MC/MX number), or company name.
- Inspection Selection System (ISS) Software: Specifically designed to display ISS scores and provide carrier recommendations in a roadside inspection context.
These systems present the ISS score along with other details about the carrier’s safety performance, violations, and history.
2. Real-Time Information Retrieval
When an enforcement officer stops a commercial vehicle, they can use:
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): To cross-check the carrier’s information against FMCSA databases.
- Mobile Inspection Systems: Some states provide officers with tablets or laptops equipped with the ISS software for immediate data retrieval.
- Fixed Inspection Stations: These roadside facilities are often equipped with systems that automatically display a carrier's ISS score when their USDOT number or license plate is scanned.
With the introduction of the Level VIII (Electronic) inspection. FMCSA will be able to use data from ELD providers to remotely report necessary information to inspection stations while trucks are in motion. This will provide drivers a pass/fail status without having to stop trucks and create congestion.
Why Does the ISS Score Matter?
The ISS score makes enforcement more efficient and effective. Instead of random inspections, inspectors use data to focus on companies that are most likely to pose a risk. This approach benefits everyone:
- For Inspectors: It saves time and ensures resources are used where they’re most needed.
- For Safe Companies: They’re less likely to face unnecessary inspections, allowing them to operate smoothly.
- For Public Safety: By targeting risky carriers, the system helps prevent accidents before they happen.
