International Roadcheck Is May 13-15. Is Your Commercial Transportation Fleet Ready?

For 72 hours next month, commercial motor vehicles and drivers throughout North America will be subject to what the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) calls a “high-visibility, high-volume” inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative.

The annual event, known as the International Roadcheck, will take place at weigh and inspection stations, temporary sites and locations selected by mobile patrols from May 13-15 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to the trucking industry publication Land Line, CVSA conducted 48,761 inspections during the 2024 International Roadcheck, with 95% of drivers found to have no violations requiring removal from service and 77% of vehicles passing without critical violations.

Using data compiled from CVSA’s results of last year’s Roadcheck, the fleet-management software company Fleetio offers statistics and analysis of the most common fleet vehicle violations in 2024, with break violations topping the list at 25%.

Inspectors’ focus and fleet checklist

According to the CVSA, law enforcement this year will conduct the North American Standard Level I inspections with the 37-step procedures focused on two areas, one each for drivers and vehicles:

• Drivers — Hours-of-service (HOS) compliance, as recorded in their record-of-duty-status (RODs) logs. “Failure to record, complete or retain the log, or knowingly falsifying logs or other related reports, is not only a driver out-of-service violation, it also makes the driver and/or [cargo] carrier liable to prosecution.” 

In addition, CVSA reports, “inspectors check the driver’s documents, license or commercial driver’s license, medical examiner’s certificate and skill performance certificate (if applicable), record of duty status, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status (in the U.S.), seat belt usage, and alcohol and/or drug impairment. If an inspector identifies driver out-of-service violations, they place the driver out of service, restricting that driver from operating their vehicle.”

• Vehicles — Tires, primarily tread depth and inflation but also damage “such as air leaks, tread separation, cuts, bulges, sidewall damage and improper repairs,” CVSA says.

The Level I inspection checklist also includes brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs and windshield wipers.

Passing a Level I or Level IV inspection makes a vehicle eligible for a CVSA decal, which typically makes a vehicle immune to further inspection in the three-month period in which the sticker is valid, though it does not prevent law enforcement from performing re-inspection during that time.

For a checklist to help you and your fleet prepare for the 2025 CVSA International Roadcheck, click on the link below.

GET THE ROADCHECK CHECKLIST

Impact on insurance

In addition to protecting drivers, other vehicles and their passengers, fleet safety management is critical to managing the cost of a company’s Commercial Vehicle Insurance. Fleets with a poor safety record and unfavorable claims history pay higher premiums — if they’re able to obtain insurance at all.

In addition to potentially saving lives, taking unsafe vehicles and unsafe drivers off the road reduces the risk of costly claims that drive up insurance premiums. A consistent record of passing inspections, on the other hand, is attractive to underwriters, making the fleet’s company more attractive in the insurance marketplace, which generally results in lower rates and better coverage.

That’s why it’s best to be proactive in ensuring vehicle and driver safety. In fact, aside from making it more likely your fleet passes safety inspection, the very existence and implementation of a fleet safety program is certain to be viewed favorably during the underwriting process.

Safety innovation

In a recent Alera Group Insights post, colleague Joe Peplinski described an innovative approach to fleet safety: gamification. In addition to fostering health competition among drivers based on telematic safety scores, Joe notes, gamification encourages employee engagement, satisfaction and retention.

Innovation is an Alera Group hallmark. Whether collaborating with partner specialists around the country to deliver products and services specifically designed for your industry and region, working with you and our carrier partners to customize an alternative risk solution such as a Captive Insurance program or offering a leading-edge strategy like gamification, we respond to our clients’ unique needs with purpose, vision and mission.

To speak an expert in risk management, loss control and Commercial Auto Insurance, contact Alera Group.

About the authors

Mat Geffin, CIC
Partner
Alera Group 

Mat Geffin has more than 15 years’ experience as a risk management broker and consultant, specializing in the needs of growing and complex organizations in managing their company’s risks. Trained as a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), he analyzes organizations’ operational structure and management to identify exposures and design solutions. He and his team deliver clients customized services, training and ongoing consultation to improve operations and reduce the cost of risk.

Contact information:

• mat.geffin@aleragroup.com
• Connect with Mat on LinkedIn

Ralph Thresher
Senior Loss Consultant
Alera Group 

Ralph Thresher brings almost four decades of safety consulting knowledge and experience to his work with Alera Group clients on OSHA and DOT compliance. His multiple safety certifications and background as a consultant for national insurance carriers provides him with unique expert insight into regulatory requirements and client needs.

Contact information:

• Ralph.thresher@aleragroup.com
• Connect with Ralph on LinkedIn