FMCSA Out-of-Service Orders: What They Mean

An FMCSA out-of-service order prohibits a motor carrier from operating until the problem that caused it is corrected and FMCSA rescinds the order.

In the data · FMCSA files as of Nov 11, 2026

FMCSA’s file lists 404,689 out-of-service orders since 1995.
Most common reasons: New Entrant Revoked - Refusal of Audit/No Contact (316,301); New Entrant Revoked - Failure of Safety Audit (43,522); 90 day failure to pay fine (25,025); Unsatisfactory = Unfit (11,216).

Common reasons

Most orders come from the New Entrant safety assurance program — for example when a new carrier refuses or fails its safety audit. Other reasons include unpaid civil penalties, an Unsatisfactory (unfit) safety rating, denial of access to records and, rarely, an imminent hazard order.

Order date and rescind date

The order date is when FMCSA issued the order. A rescind date means FMCSA lifted it. A record without a rescind date does not always mean the order is still in effect; check the carrier’s current status with FMCSA.

Roadside out-of-service is different

Inspectors can also place a single driver or vehicle out of service at a roadside inspection until a violation is fixed. Those are counted in the out-of-service rates on carrier pages and are not company-wide orders.

Related: Daily out-of-service orders

Questions

Can a carrier with a past order operate today?

Yes, if the order was rescinded and its authority and registration are active. Many carriers have old orders that were later lifted.

Where can I see new orders?

The daily out-of-service list shows orders by date, with the reason and rescind date from FMCSA’s file.

This guide explains public FMCSA records in plain language. It is not legal or compliance advice. CheckTrucking is not affiliated with FMCSA.