05/02/2025 by Nicole Peterson
CVSA International Roadcheck: What You Need To Know
Don’t let your company get caught off guard! The CVSA International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 13-15, 2025- and preparation is key.
Mark your Calendars! The annual International Roadcheck is soon approaching. Hosted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), this three-day inspection spans across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. While this event aims to make our roadways safer, it is also crucial for those in logistics. This critical period can influence efficiently for both carriers and shippers. Disruptions can affect delivery timelines, costs, and operational efficiency. Now is the time to prepare for a smooth Roadcheck.
WHAT IS THE CVSA? WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL ROADCHECK?
The CVSA ia a non-profit organization dedicated to improving commercial motor vehicle safety through collaboration between law enforcement, industry stakeholders, and the public sector.
Since 1988, CVSA has conducted International Roadcheck, a high-visibility enforcement program targeting vehicle and driver safety. The goal of this initiative is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from crashes involving large trucks, buses, and cars. Inspections can happen anytime, anywhere. The various locations include weigh stations, inspection stations, mobile patrols, and roadside sites. Inspectors will perform the North American Standard level l inspection, a 37 step procedure.
Each year the roadcheck has a primary focus with this year’s being tire inspection and false Records of Duty Status (RODS).
WHY INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE MATTERS?
During International Roadcheck, one of the most common causes of vehicle violations is poor tire maintenance and it’s easy to see why it matters. A flat or damaged tire isn’t just a minor issue.; It’s a serious safety hazard that can lead to:
- On-road breakdowns
- Delivery delays
- Costly repairs and downtime
- Increased risk of accidents or rollovers
- Blowouts that cause loss of vehicle control
Regular inspections and tire checks are essential not only for staying compliant during inspections but also for ensuring the safety of drivers and the reliability of every haul.
2025 FOCUS AREAS: TIRES AND RODS
This year’s roadcheck inspection is focusing on two critical areas that shippers and carriers should be prepared for.
Tires play a critical role in maintaining vehicle stability and preventing accidents on the road. During tire inspections, authorities will be looking for specifics that may jeopardize the safety of the vehicle.
The inspectors will be looking for:
- Air leaks
- Flat tires
- Low tread depth
- Bulges in the sidewall
- Improper repairs
RODS document a commercial vehicle driver’s on-duty and off-duty hours. These records are crucial for ensuring that drivers comply with Hours-of-service (HOS) regulations, which are in place to prevent driver fatigue. These regulations limit the number of hours drivers can operate their vehicles each day and mandate rest breaks.
Inspectors will be looking for:
- Drivers’ credentials
- False driver claims
- Ghost drivers
- Logging off-duty time while still engaged in work for a motor carrier or a non-motor carrier
WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ROADCHECK?
It’s important to be aware of when the International Roadcheck takes place because of the impact it can have on shipping freight. Even though it’s just a few days out of the year, no one likes to be unprepared for potential disruption or delays to their business.
Last year’s International Roadcheck results discovered the total overall vehicle out-of-service rate was 23 percent and the driver-out-of-service rate was 4.8 percent. The top five vehicle violations were:
- Defective service brakes (25 percent)
- Tires (20.8 percent)
- Other brake violations (18.3 percent)
- Lights (11.6 percent)
- Cargo securement (9.6 percent)
The top five driver violations were:
- Hours-of-service (32.1 percent)
- No commercial license (25.4 percent)
- No medical card (11.2 percent)
- False logs (10.9 percent)
- Suspended license (5.1 percent)
International Roadcheck impact on Shippers
Shippers may face potential delays, reduced transportation capacity, and higher spot rates.
Potential Delays
Increased enforcement can lead to potential delays due to roadside stops and inspections.
Reduced Transportation Capacity
The increased inspection effort can lead carriers to choose to close their business temporarily for the week to avoid any risks of fines or penalties. You might find it more difficult to secure reliable carriers for any last-minute shipments.
Higher Spot Rates
With the potential for fewer trucks available and delays, spot rates can be heightened during this time.
International Roadcheck impact on Carriers
Carriers are similarly affected, so there is potential for delays and less freight volume.
Transportation Delays
Carriers should expect to see delays in movement of traffic due to increased law enforcement. This could disrupt your operations.
Fewer Available Shipments
Shippers may plan around this week by rerouting certain shipments or finding alternate modes. Less freight may be available.
Increased Law Enforcement
Expect to see increased law enforcement, so more eyes will be looking for unsafe driver behavior. There is greater potential for drivers to receive fines.
Prepare Now for the 2025 CVSA International Roadcheck
As the 2025 CVSA International Roadcheck approaches, preparation is key to ensuring your fleet stays on the road and avoids costly delays. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has released a handy cheat sheet to help drivers and fleet owners understand exactly what inspectors will be looking for.
Shippers
Ensure Documentation Accuracy
Double-check all shipment documentation. Ensure it is accurate and complete to avoid delays during any unexpected inspections.
Communicate Shipment Needs
If you have any requirements or time sensitivities, communicate this well in advance. This helps your logistics provider plan effectively. Any last-minute communication risks delays.
Find Alternatives
Consider alternative transportation modes or routes if you expect any delays.
Keep Customers Aware
Be proactive and communicate potential delays during this week to your customers to manage expectations.
Share Any Concerns
Discuss any concerns you might have with your logistics provider. They can offer valuable insights and help develop strategies to reduce disruptions.
Pricing Awareness
Be aware of possible higher spot rates during International Roadcheck. When possible, plan shipments before or after this period to secure better pricing.
Carriers
Double- Check Credentials
Ensure all required credentials, like operating authority, hazmat endorsements, TWIC cards, and any other relevant permits, are current and accessible.
Driver Documents Are up to Date
Have drivers verify that all paperwork is up to date and accessible in case of inspection.
Vehicle Maintenance Check
Double-check that all vehicles have undergone any necessary preventive maintenance and are in top operating condition to avoid delays due to roadside repairs.
Prep Drivers
Make sure drivers are aware of this week and the potential for stops or delays. Train drivers on proper procedures for interacting with law enforcement. Make sure they know the channels to communicate any disruptions to their journey.
Book Ahead
Shippers may choose to reroute shipments, switch to alternative modes such as Intermodal, or plan around this week. Consider booking shipments well in advance for this week.
Remember – Safety First
The importance of this week is not about causing disruptions. It’s about emphasizing vehicle and driver safety. This is a great opportunity to remind drivers of their critical role in regular vehicle checks and proper maintenance.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP OUR ROADS SAFE
Here at Trinity Logistics, we understand how critical this week can be for shippers and carriers. While CVSA International Roadcheck might cause some temporary disruptions, it serves a vital purpose in keeping drivers safe and prioritizing maintenance.
By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can likely see minimal effects from the CVSA International Roadcheck.
Be on the lookout for upcoming 2025 CVSA inspections, including Operation Safe Driver Week from July 13–19, 2025, and the Brake Safety Week running August 24–30, 2025. Stay informed with our blog coverage of both events.
For additional opportunities to stay ahead of disruption to your business during International Roadcheck, consider working with Trinity Logistics. We have over 45 years of experience helping thousands of companies conquer complicated shipping situations, like CVSA inspection weeks. We’re confident in our ability to make this week (and all others) an effortless one for your business.
