Preparing for CVSA’s Roadcheck 2019

CVSA’s (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) International Roadcheck is an opportunity to educate the general public and industry as well as to raise awareness on the importance of vehicle safety. During the most extensive targeted enforcement program in the world, about 17 buses and trucks are inspected (on average) every minute in the United States, Canada, and Mexico during 72 hours. The Roadcheck 2019 will take place on June 4-6.

View CVSA’s 2019 International Roadcheck Results

Types of Checks

During Roadcheck, the inspections performed on vehicles are not that different from any other inspection. What’s different every year is the special emphasis on a particular category of violations. This June, the focus will be on suspension and steering systems. Road inspectors will also be checking these components:

• Fuel systems
• Brake systems
• Tires
• Frames
• Lighting devices
• Exhaust systems
• Coupling devices
• Cargo securement
• Windshield wipers
• Wheels, hubs, and rims
• Driveline/Driveshafts
• Bumpers
• Horn
• Mirror
• Defroster
• Emergency equipment

Roadcheck 2019 Inspection Points

Each vehicle inspection could include up to 37 steps (depending on the chosen level of investigation). A complete Roadcheck review is the most comprehensive one and will consist of checking whether the driver is operating under the influence of fatigue or illness, alcohol or drugs, and using a seatbelt. Drivers will also be asked to provide:

• Driver’s license
• Hours-of-service records
• Medical card
• Vehicle’s fuel permit and registration
• Proof of vehicle annual inspection

As thousands of commercial vehicles get placed out-of-service because of brake violations, you should make sure that your brakes are operating correctly, check your brake pad or lining for condition and proper thickness.

How Roadcheck Affects Shippers

International Roadcheck inspection may lead to increased costs and delays. Non-compliant vehicles and drivers taken out of service will cause setbacks and reduced capacity. Some FTL drivers and carriers choose not to operate during the Roadcheck week. During the inspection, all drivers must wait in lines as the inspection takes about an hour (and the lines can sometimes be quite long.)

How Roadcheck Affects Drivers’ CSA Score

In case a carrier fails an inspection, getting placed out-of-order will impact their CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) and BASIC (Behavioral Analysis and Safety Improvement Category) scores, leading to a compliance review. Ultimately, it may affect the Safety Fitness Determination rating. Other related consequences involve potentially lost customers, lost driver wages, and delivery delays. So, before you get back on the road, make sure you are prepared for Roadcheck 2019 to avoid violations.

Since 1998, when the Roadcheck program began, more than 1.5 million inspections have been performed. There were about 63,000 inspections in 2016 when 21.5% of vehicles were taken out-of-service due to critical violations such as brake system violations, false logs, and issues with hours of service.

If you are concerned about your capacity due to Roadcheck, First Call Logistics offers many services to help you meet your supply chain needs. We can work with you to help you move your product on time, ensuring the fastest road delivery possible. Feel free to contact us for more information.