RISK INSIGHT: Is Your Fleet Ready for the International Roadcheck
The importance of pre and post trip inspections is not a new concept. Make sure your fleet’s safety is appropriately prioritized and ready to pass inspection during the upcoming annual Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck occurring June 5-7, 2018.
During the International Roadcheck, commercial motor vehicle inspectors will conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, which consists of a 37-step analysis of both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. Special emphasis on hours-of-service compliance is in the spotlight this year due to trends identified from electronic logging device (ELD) data gathered during the 2017 Roadcheck.
Throughout the 72-hour period, commercial motor vehicle inspectors in jurisdictions across North America will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers. Drivers are required to provide their driver’s license, hours-of-service documentation, motor carrier registration and shipping documentation. Again, this year’s International Roadcheck will focus heavily on hours-of-service compliance.
According to Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) news, 32% of drivers placed out of service during last year’s three-day inspection period were removed from roadways due to hours-of-service violations. Drivers will be checked for seatbelt usage and sources indicate inspectors will also be on the lookout for any apparent alcohol or drug impairment. Based on CVSA information, additional items evaluated in the inspection includes checking brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, exhaust, frames, fuel systems, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, van and open-top trailer bodies, wheels, rims and hubs, and windshield wipers. Extra items for buses include emergency exits, electrical cables & systems in the engine and battery compartments, and seating.
- If no critical inspection item violations are found during an inspection, a CVSA decal will be applied to the vehicle, indicating that the vehicle successfully passed a decal-eligible inspection conducted by a CVSA-certified inspector.
- If an inspector identifies any violations, they may render the driver or vehicle out of service until the violations are corrected.
For more information, read the CVSA release about the 2018 International Roadcheck.
Key Takeaway
Employers should be aware of the random CVSA roadchecks coming June 5-7, 2018, regardless of their state of operations. There were a high number of drivers placed out of service from the 2017 International Roadcheck for hours-of-service violations because of the focused attention from the ELD requirement which took effect on December 18, 2017. Commercial motor carriers and their drivers should have a clear understanding of the importance of the pre and post trip inspections as well as hours-of-service regulations.
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If you need additional assistance, have questions about DOT/Fleet safety please feel free to contact your M3 Account Executive or Risk Manager for more information.
