As a fleet manager, you’re always looking for ways to keep trucks rolling, avoid unnecessary delays, and maintain the highest safety standards. One of the most overlooked yet powerful tools in your operational toolbox is your fleet’s ISS score. Short for Inspection Selection System, this score is assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and plays a critical role in determining whether your trucks get stopped for inspection—or are granted a bypass at weigh stations.
If you’re not familiar with how this score works or how it impacts your bypass eligibility, you’re not alone. Many fleet operators know the ISS score exists but aren’t quite sure how it’s calculated or what levers they can pull to influence it. This guide will walk you through exactly that—explaining how the FMCSA uses the ISS score as a risk assessment tool, and how PrePass, a trusted technology provider in the industry, can help you leverage your score to bypass more inspections, save time, and improve overall efficiency.
Why the ISS score matters more than you might think
At first glance, the ISS score might seem like just another compliance metric. But for those managing logistics and dispatch at scale, it’s much more. Your ISS score influences whether your trucks will be flagged for inspection when they approach a weigh station. The lower your score, the better your chances of bypassing these stops altogether.
Bypass eligibility can directly affect delivery schedules, driver satisfaction, fuel costs, and vehicle wear. Over time, fleets with consistently strong ISS scores spend less time in line and more time making money on the road. Understanding and improving your ISS score isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a smarter, more profitable operation.
What is the ISS score, and how is it used?
The ISS score FMCSA assigns to carriers is a number ranging from 1 to 100. The purpose of this score is to help roadside inspectors quickly determine whether a vehicle should be pulled over for inspection or allowed to bypass. It’s essentially a risk indicator: the higher the score, the more likely it is that the vehicle will be stopped.
Scores are broken into three general categories. A score from 1 to 49 usually places the carrier in a “Pass” category, which means inspectors are not recommended to conduct an inspection. Scores between 50 and 74 fall into an “Optional” range, where inspections are left to the officer’s discretion. Anything from 75 to 100 lands in the “Inspect” category—meaning inspections are highly recommended.
This scoring system allows enforcement agencies to prioritize their limited resources by focusing on carriers with higher safety risks. At the same time, it rewards safe fleets with quicker passage through inspection points, helping promote a culture of safety and efficiency in the industry.
What goes into calculating your ISS score?
While the exact algorithm behind the ISS score is proprietary, it is built on data collected through FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program. Your CSA scores, particularly how you perform in the seven BASICs categories— controlled substances and alcohol, crash indicator, driver fitness, hazardous materials compliance, hours-of-service compliance, unsafe driving, and vehicle maintenance—all factor into the final ISS number.
Your roadside inspection history also plays a crucial role. Fleets that receive consistent clean inspections are likely to see their ISS scores drop over time. Conversely, violations, out-of-service orders, and crash involvement tend to push the score higher. The FMCSA updates ISS scores monthly, so the data you’re generating now—good or bad—will influence your score next month.
It’s important to note that your ISS score isn’t publicly available like your CSA data, but bypass systems like PrePass have access to it and use it to help determine whether to offer your truck a bypass at each location, based on each state’s guidelines.
How bypass eligibility impacts operations and cost control.
The operational impact of receiving more weigh station bypasses is significant. Fewer inspections mean less time sitting in line, fewer delivery delays, and a smoother experience for your drivers. There’s also the financial aspect to consider. ATRI* data data suggests that each inspection avoided saves a carrier up to $10.65 in operational costs, factoring in time lost, fuel consumed, and potential fines or citations discovered during a stop.
That’s why many of the most safety-conscious fleets focus heavily on managing their ISS scores—because doing so means more time on the road, fewer interruptions, and lower operational costs. For large fleets especially, these small savings per bypass can quickly add up to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
*ATRI – Operational Cost of Trucking 2025
How PrePass supports smarter ISS score management.
This is where PrePass becomes an invaluable partner. PrePass provides fleets with technology that not only enables electronic bypass at thousands of weigh stations across the country, but also gives fleets real visibility into their safety scores and performance trends. With this insight, managers can see how inspection outcomes and other safety events are affecting their ISS score and take proactive steps to keep it in the “Pass” zone.
In addition to bypass functionality, PrePass delivers detailed analytics through INFORM
Safety and alerting systems that help fleets stay ahead of performance dips. If there’s a sudden spike in a BASIC category or a trend of maintenance violations, the system can notify you before it becomes a major problem. This gives you a chance to correct issues before they impact your ISS score and, by extension, your bypass eligibility.
Building a proactive strategy to maintain a low ISS score.
Improving your ISS score doesn’t happen overnight—but it’s well within reach if you focus on the right areas. Start by ensuring that your vehicles are always prepared for inspection. This means consistent pre-trip checks, prompt maintenance, and making sure drivers are well-trained in inspection procedures.
Also, be proactive with your data. Review your CSA and inspection reports monthly to identify trends or recurring violations. If you find errors in your records—such as violations that were actually corrected or citations issued in error—submit corrections through FMCSA’s DataQs portal. And, of course, keep your drivers engaged and informed. Many fleets find success by incentivizing clean inspections or sharing safety performance data during weekly meetings.
With PrePass, you’ll have access to real-time tools that make this kind of proactive strategy possible. The combination of accurate data, visibility, and a culture of safety puts you in the best position to maintain a healthy ISS score.
Common pitfalls that can damage your ISS score.
It’s worth acknowledging that even well-run fleets can see their scores rise if they aren’t vigilant. Maintenance issues that go unresolved, drivers who have HOS violations, or poor performance in roadside inspections can all result in score increases. Many times, these issues stem from breakdowns in communication—between operations and drivers, or between fleet managers and maintenance teams.
It’s also common to see spikes in ISS scores when fleets grow quickly. Rapid expansion often means onboarding new drivers and vehicles at a pace that can challenge your ability to maintain consistent safety practices. If you’re not already using a system like PrePass to help track performance, now’s the time.
How good ISS scores influence driver retention.
It’s not just about inspections and compliance. Good ISS scores contribute to better driver experiences. When drivers aren’t being pulled over unnecessarily or dealing with time-consuming inspections, they’re more satisfied and more likely to stick around. For carriers battling high turnover, this can be a powerful retention tool. A strong safety record demonstrates a company’s commitment to professionalism and efficiency—qualities that good drivers value highly.
ISS score FMCSA: More than just a number.
At the end of the day, your ISS score is more than just a compliance metric—it’s a direct reflection of your safety culture and operational health. When you actively manage your ISS score, you’re not only reducing downtime at weigh stations, but also building a stronger, more respected fleet.
And with a partner like PrePass, you have the tools to make that happen. From smart bypass technology to powerful performance analytics, PrePass enables fleets to stay compliant, operate more efficiently, and keep their drivers moving.
Explore how PrePass supports toll management and smarter bypassing here
FAQs about ISS score FMCSA
1. What is an ISS score and how is it used?
The ISS score is a safety metric used by the FMCSA to help enforcement personnel determine whether a truck should be pulled in for inspection or allowed to bypass. Lower scores improve your chances of receiving a bypass.
2. How often does the FMCSA update ISS scores?
ISS scores are updated monthly based on recent inspection results, CSA scores, crash history, and other safety data.
3. How can I access my fleet’s ISS score?
You can request your ISS score through the FMCSA’s DataQs system or view it through a bypass provider like PrePass.
4. What’s considered a “good” ISS score?
A score under 50 is generally considered favorable and can place you in the “Pass” category for inspection selection – but remember that bypass criteria is different per state.
5. Can I improve a high ISS score?
Yes, by improving inspection outcomes, addressing violations, maintaining vehicles, and training drivers on compliance practices.
6. Does PrePass help with ISS score monitoring?
Absolutely. PrePass offers tools to track inspection performance, monitor safety metrics, and identify issues before they escalate.
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Final thoughts
Your ISS score FMCSA isn’t something you can afford to ignore. It directly influences whether your trucks are stopped or waved through. With the right tools and strategies, you can take control of this score and turn it into an asset that keeps your fleet running smoothly.
Whether you’re looking to increase bypass rates, improve driver satisfaction, or enhance safety performance, leveraging your ISS score is one of the smartest moves you can make. And with PrePass by your side, you’ve got the technology and insight to do it confidently.
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