Heads Up! CVSA's International Roadcheck 2021 is Approaching
Every year, CVSA hosts its Annual International Roadcheck, which is the largest enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world. The roadcheck runs during a 72-hour period with about 15 trucks or buses inspected every minute across the United States, as well as vehicles being inspected in Canada and Mexico.
This year's International Roadcheck will happen on May 4th-6th with a focus on inspecting trucks' lighting devices and the drivers' hours of service. Continue reading the importance of the International Roadcheck, and what the inspection will be.
The Importance of CVSA's International Roadcheck
The International Roadcheck occurs every year to increase the awareness and importance of commercial motor vehicle safety. Not only are the inspectors making sure that your vehicle is safe to drive, but they're also making sure you and other drivers are safe as well. The dates are shared in advance to prepare motor carriers and drivers and to be aware of proactive vehicle maintenance and readiness.
CVSA's President Sgt. John Samis with the Delaware State Police states that the International Roadcheck "aims to raise awareness of the North American Standard Inspection Program and the essential highway safety rules and regulations in place to keep our roadways safe."
This year, the inspection will focus on two categories. For the driver portion, inspectors will focus on the hours of service and the lighting devices during the vehicle portion.
What Will the Inspection Be?
The Vehicle Portion
The inspectors are paying close attention to your truck's lighting devices to ensure they are operating well. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, "the lighting violation 'lamps inoperable' was the number one vehicle violation in 2020 - which accounted for approximately 12.24% of all vehicle violations discovered that year."
Lighting devices include:
- Headlamps
- Tail Lamps
- Clearance Lamps
- Identification Lamps
- License Plate and Side Marker Lamps
- Stop Lamps
- Turn Signals and Lamps on Projecting Loads
Along with the importance of your truck's lighting, they will be checking the components of your truck to ensure everything looks good to go. Components include:
- Brake Systems
- Cargo Securement
- Coupling Devices
- Driveline/Driveshaft Components
- Driver's Seat
- Exhaust Systems
- Frames
- Fuel Systems
- Lightning Devices
- Steering Mechanisms
- Suspensions
- Tires
- Van and Open-Top Trailer Bodies
- Wheels
- Rims
- Hubs and Windshield Wipers are Complaint
Inspections of motorcoaches, passenger vans, and other passenger-carrying vehicles also include emergency exits, electrical cables, and systems in the engine and battery compartments, and seating.
The Driver Portion
During the driver portion, they will be examining you, your driving requirements, and hours of service documentation. The hours of service documentation is critical this year to ensure hours are regulated well so drivers have rest time between driving shifts. Hours of service was the number one driver out-of-service violation, accounting for 34.7% of all driver out-of-service conditions.
Inspectors will also check your operating credentials, seat belt usage, and alcohol and/or drug impairment.
If you pass the vehicle and driver portions of the inspection, you will receive a CVSA decal.
Download the PDF to learn more about the driver's and vehicle's requirements.
What Happens if You Don't Meet the Requirements?
Unfortunately, if there are any violations during the vehicle and driver portions, you and/or your truck will place out-of-service. When this happens, you and the vehicle cannot operate until the identified out-of-service conditions are correct.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
Just the same as last year, the law enforcement personnel will conduct inspections following their departments' health and safety protocols during the 2021 International Roadcheck.
In addition, as the COVID-19 vaccine continues to roll out, inspectors will do their best effort to allow vaccine shipments to arrive to their destination, quickly and safely. COVID-19 vaccine shipments will not be held up for inspection unless there is an obvious serious violation.
Cargo Securement as a Frequent Vehicle Violation
Last year, more than 15,000 trucks were placed out-of-service in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Cargo securement was one of the top five violations, where 1,586 drivers were placed out-of-service. We have some tips for you to safely secure your load so you can avoid this violation this year:
- Always keeping multiple pieces of cargo tight together in the center of the trailer to prevent load shifting.
- Making sure to have the appropriate number of tiedowns and that they are correctly used to prevent the cargo from moving forward, rearward, or laterally.
- Always knowing the weight of the load to ensure you have the right number of tiedowns.
- Inspecting tiedowns prior to each use and remove from service any tiedowns that are frayed, cut, damaged, knotted, etc.
- Making sure web tiedowns are properly tagged with WLL in lbs. and kgs.
- Making sure chain and binders have grade markings, WLL, or Breaking Strength.
- Using edge protection like corner protectors to prevent cutting, abrasion, and premature wear from sharp or abrasive surfaces.
We carry trucking and transportation equipment so you can secure your cargo without any worries. You can shop by trailer type, which we have enclosed trailer accessories and flatbed trailer equipment that has everything you need to outfit your truck.
Learn more about load securement:
The Dos and Don'ts for Load Securement on Trailers
Working Load Limit, Breaking Strength, and Safety Factor: What Do They Mean?
How Many Tiedowns Do I Need to Secure My Cargo?
A Simple Guide on How to Use a Ratchet Strap and How to Release It
