2023 International Roadcheck
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will begin its annual International Roadcheck this May 16-18. During the three-day event, CVSA inspectors across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will conduct inspections on commercial vehicles and drivers to ensure compliance with safety standards. The inspections will take place by authorized CVSA inspectors at inspection stations, weigh stations, along roadways, and at temporary inspection sites.
During the 2022 International Roadcheck, 59,026 inspections were conducted. Of those inspections, 12,456 commercial vehicles were put out of service, and 3,714 commercial drivers were suspended.
This year the CVSA inspectors will focus on cargo securement and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). During last year’s road check, improper or inadequate cargo securement accounted for 10.6% of all vehicle out-of-service violations. Unsecure cargo has also been in the top five of out-of-service violations in previous years. While ABS violations are not out-of-service violations, the CVSA is putting emphasis on them, ensuring that they are functioning correctly as a properly functioning ABS can help reduce collisions.
What To Expect
The CVSA estimates that they will check about 15 trucks every minute across North America during the three-day period. However, not all trucks will be subject to inspection. The DMV’s Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window will identify new trucks with companies that have not gone through inspection before, older trucks that are overdue on inspections, and vehicles that operate under companies that have poor safety scores, but of course, the CVSA can inspect any vehicle at their discretion.
Inspectors will then perform their usual roadside inspections with an emphasis on cargo securement and ABS, looking for any violations. If violations are found fleets can face hefty fines, or if an out-of-service violation is found the inspector will place the vehicle out-of-service until the issue is corrected. If the vehicle passes inspection, they will get a CVSA decal to place on the windshield that is good for three months. Generally, the vehicle will not be subject to additional inspections during the three month period.
The North American Standard Level I Inspections cover the following areas (as well as an emphasis on the two areas mentioned previously:
Vehicle Safety – Inspectors will ensure the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, and windshield wipers are compliant with regulation.
Driver Safety – Inspectors will check the driver’s operating credentials, hour-of-service documentation, status in the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, seat belt usage, and for alcohol and/or drug impairment.
How To Prepare:
The CVSA has stated what inspectors will be looking for in order to prepare your fleet.
During the inspection of cargo securement on a CMV, inspectors will:
- Ensure spare tires, loads, cargo, and dunnage are secured and prevented from falling, blowing, spilling, or leaking from the vehicle, or rolling or shifting in transit.
- Confirm there are enough tie-downs for the weight and length of the items being transported.
- Check for defective securement devices (e.g., loose, torn damaged, bent, knotted tie-downs).
- Inspect anchor points and structures for damage.
- Verify that commodity-specific cargo is secured in accordance with the regulations.
During the inspection of ABS on a commercial motor vehicle, inspectors will:
- Determine whether ABS is required on the vehicle(s).
- Ensure the ABS lamp cycles on and off for all ABS-required vehicles during the diagnostic check.
- Check for indications of an ABS malfunction, such as lamps remaining on during transit.