FMCSA ISS Scores for Truckers Explained

What is an ISS score from the FMCSA? Drivers and carriers should understand the nuances of this rating so they can continue operations and avoid inspections that slow down service.

At FMCA Filings, you can find everything you need for your carrier and drivers in one convenient place. Whether you need to renew your DOT number or check your motor carrier safety ratings, our friendly staff and intuitive website make everything easy.

The Role of an Inspection Selection System Score in Compliance, Safety Accountability

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration uses the inspection selection system score to determine whether enforcement officers at weigh stations and other roadside check-ins should investigate specific vehicles. It offers an effective way to implement roadside inspection prioritization more efficiently. When a vehicle or driver has a higher score, the authorities know to perform trucking safety inspections to assess the risk to other drivers or passengers.

How the FMCSA Calculates Your Inspection Selection System Score

Your ISS score appears as a number ranging from 0 to 100. The higher the score, the more commercial vehicle compliance violations you have on your record.

While individual drivers and vehicles affect the rating, it applies to the overall company. A carrier with a higher number will have more frequent roadside inspections than one lower on the scale.

Authorities consider a score of 0 to 49 as passing, and these vehicles have a low chance of undergoing an inspection. A rating of 75 or over gives drivers a high chance of check-ups at a weigh station.

The ISS score from the FMCSA acts as a sort of efficient summary of your overall compliance, safety, and accountability rating and uses the same seven categories, including:

1. Reckless driving: Under this category, drivers incur points when they violate trucking laws, like ignoring signal changes or speeding.
2. Crash occurrences: As part of the private information only available to you, this category shows the carrier's involvement with crashes.
3. Hours-of-service non-compliance: These violations include improper log keeping or driving too many hours.
4. Maintenance violations: When an inspector finds problems with brakes, broken lights, and other components, it raises the score in this category.
5. Substance abuse: This score reflects drivers who operate a vehicle under the influence or illegally transport controlled substances.
6. Hazardous transportation: Companies that transport hazardous materials, like toxic waste, face compliance issues if they have incorrect packaging or other problems.
7. Driver eligibility: An operator who drives without a valid license or with dangerous medical conditions could raise the score in this category.

Best Tips for Improving Your ISS Score

How can you improve your ISS score? Focus on company-wide initiatives that address the following:

Prioritize Regular Vehicle Maintenance

One of the most important ways to improve your scores is to invest in regular vehicle maintenance. Vehicles with broken tail lights or subpar brakes can quickly increase your overall score. It can also make driving the truck difficult for even the most experienced drivers.

Carefully Vet and Train New Drivers

When it comes to your ISS score from the FMCSA, prevention is always easier than lowering your score. Because it depends on the quality of your drivers and their actions, you must properly vet and train them.

Ensure they have a good record and impressive references, and consider having them drive a truck on a course while someone from your company assesses their performance. You should also train everyone in safety and create a culture that prioritizes safety above all else. Consider bonuses or incentives for operators that don't incur any violations on a monthly or semi-annual basis.

Use Technology To Improve Data and Reporting

Modern technology makes it much easier to track violations and driving behavior. It also improves the accuracy of logs. For example, you could combine an integrated electronic logging device with a dash cam and telematics for a holistic view of each driver's actions. By understanding the specific weaknesses of each driver, you can take steps to correct them.

Conduct Internal Audits and Practice Inspections

If you can catch problems with maintenance and other categories before the authorities identify them, you can avoid increasing your score. Conduct internal audits and address complications internally. Also, practice inspections with your drivers so they know what to expect.

Check Your ISS at FMCA Filings Today

At FMCA Filings, you can conveniently check your ISS score from the FMCSA. The rating can give you insight and help you improve your trucking compliance. 

Our experts can help you file any documents you need and check all your compliance scores. Reach out through our live chat or complete our online form today.