What is an Out of Service order?
An OOS order is an FMCSA enforcement action prohibiting operation of a specific vehicle, driver, or carrier until corrective action is documented. Vehicle-level OOS for safety violations (typically 24-hour to 30-day hold), driver-level OOS for HOS or qualification issues (typically 8-10 hours to 30 days), or carrier-level OOS for systemic violations (open-ended until reinstatement).
Vehicle-level OOS is the most common. A roadside inspector identifies a brake violation, hazmat issue, or critical mechanical defect and places the truck OOS until repairs are documented. Typically 24-hour holds for paperwork issues; up to 30 days for serious mechanical defects.
Driver-level OOS targets the individual driver. HOS violations (driving past the 11/14-hour limits), §391.15 disqualifications (DUI, refusal), or licensing issues place the driver OOS for 8-10 hours (HOS) up to 30 days (license issues) or permanent (§391.15 disqualifiers — can't drive again until the disqualification expires per §391.15(c)).
Carrier-level OOS is the most severe. Issued under 49 CFR §385 Subpart C (imminent hazard) or §385 Subpart D (unsatisfactory rating after compliance review). Shuts down the entire operation until substantive corrective action is documented and FMCSA reinstates the authority. Plan 4-12 weeks for corrective action plus 1-3 days for our reinstatement filing.
Continuing to operate during a carrier-level OOS exposes the carrier to additional fines under 49 USC §521(b) up to $25,000 per violation. The OOS order is enforced through SAFER lookups by brokers, shippers, and roadside inspectors — operating in OOS status is a high-risk position.