CVSA 2023 International Roadcheck May 16-18 to focus on Cargo Securement and ABS

2023 International Roadcheck blitz to FOCUS on cargo securement and anti-lock brakes.

It might be time for a three-day vacation if your safety is up to snuff because many carriers will be held under the microscope on their vehicle safety.

The annual International Roadcheck conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)  is a high-visibility reminder of the importance of commercial motor vehicle safety. It is also the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks or buses inspected, on average, every minute across North America during a 72-hour period.

During last year’s 72-hour inspection, 12,456 vehicles were placed out-of-service (compared to 9,691 OOS vehicles in 2021) and 3,714 CMV drivers were placed out-of-service .The focus during this inspection was wheel ends.

So, what is it, why is it important, and what will they look for?

Review some of the CVSA Inspection Results from 2022

DOT inspection focus for 2023 International Roadcheck

Primarily, the International Roadcheck conducts the North American Standard (NAS) Level I Inspection, which includes 37 steps in two main inspection categories:

• driver operating requirements
• vehicle mechanical fitness
• Note: hazardous materials/dangerous goods are sometimes part of a Level I inspection

Depending on other factors, an inspector could conduct a:

• Level II inspection (walk-around driver/vehicle)
• Level III inspection (driver/credential/administrative) and/or
• Level IV inspection (vehicle-only)

Each year, there is also a special category focus. For 2023, the CVSA Roadcheck will focus on cargo securement and anti-lock brakes.

[Related: What Is A Freight Claim And How Does It Affect Insurance Rates?]

In 2021, the safety blitz found that 12.3% of the out-of-service violations was due to Cargo Securement.

Last year’s focus on wheel ends was important because violations involving wheel end components historically account for about one quarter of the vehicle out-of-service violations discovered and has been one of the top 10 vehicle violations during past International Roadchecks.

What to expect during the CVSA International Roadcheck

At a minimum, drivers should anticipate the following procedures during a roadside DOT inspection:

• inspector greeting, interview, driver preparation
• collection/verification of driver documents
• motor carrier ID
• license examination
• records check (duty status and periodic inspection reports)
• certification check (if needed)
  • Medical Examiner’s Certificate
  • Skill Performance Evaluation Certification, and
  • daily vehicle inspection report
• other inspections such as driver seat belt usage, illness, fatigue, impairments due to substance use

A roadside DOT inspection would include critical components such as:

• brake systems
• cargo securement
• coupling devices
• driveline/driveshaft components
• driver’s seat (missing)
• exhaust systems
• frames
• fuel systems
• lighting devices
• steering mechanisms
• suspension system
• tires
• van and open-top trailer bodies
• wheels, rims, and hubs
• windshield wipers
• Buses, motor coaches, passenger vans or other passenger-carrying vehicles: emergency exits, electrical cables and systems in engine and battery compartments, and temporary and aisle seating

Although this 3-day event spanning from Canada to Mexico intensifies the frequency of inspections, it’s crucial to remember that DOT inspections happen every day of the year.

Obeying safety standards and being prepared for inspection at any time of the year is a vital aspect of any driver’s protocol.

What are CVSA Standards for critical violations?

The basis for violations comes from the CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.

Out-of-service orders and the number, type and severity of safety violations affect a motor carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score and its Safety Fitness Determination (SFD) rating.

DOT Audits: We can perform a mock audit for you

You can stay ahead of the FMCSA by ensuring your drivers are in compliance before sending them out on the road.

We offer many services, but one specifically—DOT Mock Audits—help trucking companies operate with the confidence that they will pass any audits or inspections the FMCSA throws at them.

Basically, in a DOT Mock Audit, we send out a specialist that will conduct an audit in the exact same way a DOT officer would. This can help keep you prepared for any surprise roadside inspection or any future actual DOT audits, and you can be sure that they will happen.

All CNS services are geared toward keeping your trucking company safe and compliant so that you stay on the road and pass all DOT inspections.

For any assistance related to DOT Audits, call (888) 260-9448 or email at info@cnsprotects.com.