π How ISS Scores Are Determined
The Inspection Selection System (ISS) helps roadside inspectors identify and prioritize motor carriers for safety inspections. Here's how your score is calculated:
Highest Priority (75-100 INSPECT):
- HOS Compliance Issues: Even a single HOS alert triggers high priority due to crash correlation
- High-Risk Classification: Carriers with 4+ BASICs above threshold, or 2+ BASICs above threshold with Unsafe Driving, HOS, or Crash above 85%
- Multiple BASIC Alerts: Two or more categories above threshold, especially those addressable at roadside
Moderate Priority (50-74 OPTIONAL):
- Single BASIC alerts in Driver Fitness, Vehicle Maintenance, HM Compliance, or Controlled Substances
- Unsafe Driving or Crash Indicator alerts alone (these are not typically addressed at roadside)
- Serious violations found during prior investigations
Low Priority (1-49 PASS):
- Carriers with sufficient inspection data but no BASIC alerts
- Scores ranked within this group based on overall BASIC performance
π‘ Key Insight: FMCSA prioritizes certain BASICs for roadside inspection because they can be immediately addressed. HOS Compliance receives special attention because violations correlate highly with crash occurrenceβa tired driver can be prevented from continuing immediately.
π The 7 BASIC Categories
Your safety performance is measured across seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs). Each compares your carrier against similar-sized peers:
Unsafe Driving (Threshold: 65%) β Speeding, reckless driving, texting, seatbelt violations
HOS Compliance (Threshold: 65%) β Hours of Service violations, logbook issues, fatigue-related
Driver Fitness (Threshold: 80%) β CDL validity, medical certificates, qualification files
Controlled Substances/Alcohol (Threshold: 80%) β Drug/alcohol testing, impaired driving
Vehicle Maintenance (Threshold: 80%) β Brakes, tires, lights, cargo securement
HM Compliance (Threshold: 80%) β Hazmat placarding, shipping papers, training
Crash Indicator (Threshold: 65%) β DOT-reportable crash history weighted by severity
β οΈ For HM Carriers: If you transport hazardous materials, lower thresholds apply: 60% for Unsafe Driving, HOS, and Crash; 75% for the others. This reflects the increased risk associated with HM transportation.