The largest targeted enforcement effort for the transportation industry is rearing its head yet again. This May 16-18, CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) inspectors and compliance officers will be honing in on commercial drivers and carriers to maintain safe driving conditions for motorists in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Also known as DOT Week, DOT Blitz, and Blitz Week, this annual three-day event will show an emphasis on ABS functionality and safely secured cargo. If you’re wondering what else might be scrutinized during these checks, we’ve put together a helpful guide to passing annual and periodic road checks below.
What to Expect from the CVSA International Roadcheck
The concept of the International Roadcheck was formulated in 1988. Since then, over 1.8 million inspections have been carried out through the program, at a rate of around 15 trucks per minute throughout North America. While these swift investigations might seem like a nuisance to drivers on a time budget, the CVSA also takes advantage of these stops to educate the trucking industry and private travellers on safe driving and the necessity of the program.
As a collective effort, the CVSA partners with transportation departments across the entire continent. Other participating agencies include:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA)
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
- Transport Canada (TC)
- Department of Transportation (United States)
- Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (Mexico)
Regardless of language barriers and time zones, commercial drivers should be primed for these stops by implementing the right hardware and software to monitor and display active vehicle diagnostics. With this year’s attention to ABS and cargo securement, it would be wise to learn about the road check focus areas before hitting the roadways this May. However, just because there are points of interest throughout the inspection, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t prepare the rest of your vehicle and logs for examination.
How to Prepare for Blitz Week
Getting ready for the International Roadcheck can be fairly simple for carriers and drivers with previously implemented fleet management software. However, there are some preventative measures your fleet can take to ensure that this year’s Blitz won’t turn into a bust. Start off by making certain that each driver has an easy way to conduct pre-trip inspections to monitor issues with anything that might trigger a compliance officer or law enforcement to investigate further. We’ll break down that process by hitting the highlights of a typical inspection, then offering advice on preparing both vehicles and drivers.
Vehicle Prep
Commercial vehicles have an expensive array of components, all integral to their safe and successful operation. While compliance checks often target a specific set of vehicle attributes, yearly checks often have a theme or focal point. Annually, International Roadcheck compliance officers will investigate the following in each vehicle:
- Driveline/driveshaft components
- Driver’s seat
- Lights and signals
- Suspension
- Wheels, hubs, tires, and rims
- Coupling devices
- Windshield wipers
- Fuel and exhaust systems
- Steering columns
During this year’s International Roadcheck, CSVA-certified inspectors will focus on two specific areas. Anti-lock braking systems and proper cargo securement on commercial vehicles will be given special attention to creating safer driving conditions for all traveling motorists. ABS monitoring prevents skidding or lockups and securing cargo alleviates the over 10% out-of-service violations issued throughout last year’s Roadcheck 2022. Here are some of the specifics that will be inspected:
ABS
- Evaluate each vehicle to see if ABS is necessary
- Guarantee that ABS light operates properly
- Investigate for malfunctioning lights during operation
Cargo Securement
- Verify loads, tanks, spare tires, and equipment is tightly secured
- Validate that tie-downs or ratchet straps can withstand the weight and area of the shipment
- Confirm anchor points are solid and bereft of cracks, bends, or breaks
Driver Prep
Vehicle integrity is certainly a main component of these investigations, but driver safety is also a key concern. Titan GPS helps drivers to maintain compliance in regard to driving hours, reporting, and licensing. Apart from the vehicle checks, they may request the following from drivers:
- Operating credentials
- HoS logs and documents
- Drug/Alcohol clearinghouse status
- Seatbelt engagement
- Driving impairment and sobriety assessment
As a provider of fleet management software, it’s our duty to ensure that our customers are able to monitor their vehicles and travel worry-free. By maintaining accurate inspection records and electronic logs, the Titan GPS system quells all of those worries for drivers and carriers alike. How does that work? Let’s take a look.
Using Fleet Management Software to Manage Vehicles
Putting an end to paper processes can mean massive savings in both time and stationery costs. By conducting digital vehicle inspections, drivers won’t have to worry about returning paper forms to the office and administrative clerks won’t need to chase them down, delay data entry, or postpone paychecks. Simply create a digital inspection form, train your drivers on how to navigate the form on their mobile devices, and instantly submit it digitally on the FieldDocs platform for all users to view.
Users can customize forms to include secured cargo, strap, and anchor point checks to set preventative measures in place to guarantee your shipments are always locked down. At the same time, Titan GPS hardware can receive a vehicle’s DTC codes generated by the ECU for any ABS failures. So, you’ll be aware the moment that there are any issues with the anti-lock braking system.
Now that ELDs are required all international carriers, regardless of what North American border is being crossed. The implementation of electronic logging devices is required for all federal carriers in both the United States and Canada. While Mexico only requires paper HoS logs, if the driver is crossing into the U.S., a certified ELD needs to be installed. Our system enables drivers to easily log into their account on their tablet, iOS, or android device and immediately start tracking their on-and off-duty hours. With more features that facilitate IFTA reporting, mechanic work orders, GPS records, and more, the Titan GPS solution offers impenetrable defence for international road checks.
Titan GPS’ Solution to International Roadchecks
During Blitz Week in 2021, CVSA compliance officers completed more than 40,000 inspections. Of those, over 6,600 triggered OOS violations and 2,120 ended in driver out-of-service violations. With a combination of Hours-of-Service tracking and maintenance monitoring, Titan GPS can help drivers pass roadside inspections with ease. Digital logs corroborate manual on- and off-duty hours to prevent any issues with HoS tracking, while digital inspections ensure compliance officers have a solid record of any physical defects or repairs.
With fines in the thousands per violation, a potential increase in insurance rates, a demoted safety rating, and out-of-service restrictions, there are more than enough reasons to be cautious when it comes to compliance inspections. For carriers and drivers who travel internationally, making the effort to prepare your crew for the 2023 International Roadcheck can prevent a slew of delays or expenses. Protect your business by staying compliant with Titan GPS fleet management software, schedule a demo today to secure your assets and employees.
