The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced its annual Roadcheck inspection blitz will be held June 6-8.
During this 72-hour time frame, an estimated 42,000 Level 1 Inspections (the most detailed and thorough inspection) will be conducted.
This year the CVSA will be focusing on cargo securement. During the inspection blitz, inspectors will primarily conduct the full 37-step Level I inspections. They are not only looking to make sure cargo is secured, but that it is secured the way the DOT prescribes.
Violations related to cargo securement include damaged or insufficient and loose tie-downs, failure to prevent shifting or loss of cargo, failure to secure truck equipment. The CVSA has created a handy checklist with cargo securement tips for drivers before the blitz.
Drivers should make sure that they are up-to-date on the FMCSA’s specifications in securing & tying down cargo. You can download a copy of the FMCSA’s Driver’s Handbook on Cargo Securement.
It’s not all about cargo securement though. Keep in mind that the Roadcheck blitz inspection covers all categories. Although last year’s focus was on tire safety, more than 62,000 inspections of vehicles—including dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, and other regulated transporters—violations widely ranged, from vehicle and equipment issues to hours-of-service and other driver problems. As a direct result, inspectors placed 21.5 percent (9,080) of trucks inspected out of service, along with 3.4 percent (1,436) of drivers, according to numbers released by CVSA. The most common violations? Brakes, hours-of-service, and false logs.
During the Roadcheck inspection blitz, shippers should also expect slower transit times due to inspection delays and out-of-service penalties throughout North America. In some cases, operators will just stay home from June 6 to June 8 resulting in decreasing capacity.
Carriers and shippers would be best advised to plan ahead.
