March 3, 2025
Prepare for CVSA’s 2025 International Roadcheck with Reliance Partners
As the largest targeted enforcement event for commercial motor vehicles approaches, it’s critical for drivers and carriers across North America to ensure they are fully prepared for the upcoming Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck, scheduled for May 13-15, 2025. This high-visibility, 72-hour inspection event spans Canada, Mexico, and the United States, focusing on compliance enforcement for commercial motor vehicles.
This year, the Roadcheck will put particular emphasis on two key areas:
- Tires: Inspectors will closely examine tires for tread depth, proper inflation, and signs of damage such as air leaks, cuts, bulges, and tread separation.
- Records-of-Duty Status (RODS): Inspectors will carefully scrutinize hours-of-service records to ensure compliance and avoid driver fatigue. Discrepancies, such as electronic logging device (ELD) tampering or incorrect use of driving categories, will be flagged.
How to Stay Ahead of Inspections: Tips from Reliance Partners
At Reliance Partners, we understand the importance of preparing for inspections, and we’re here to help you navigate the process to ensure compliance. Our regulatory compliance expert, Mark Barlar, Director of DOT Regulatory Compliance, shares some key tips for drivers and fleets.
1. Tire Inspections: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute Tires are a frequent point of failure during inspections, and they can lead to significant issues if not properly maintained. Barlar recommends performing regular tire inspections throughout a trip, not just at the start and end. “Visual checks before and after the trip often miss critical areas of the tire,” Barlar said. “Drivers should take the opportunity to inspect tires whenever they stop for any reason during the trip. The more often you check, the better chance you have of identifying potential issues before they become problems.”
2. Records-of-Duty Status: Stay On Top of Hours-of-Service Compliance RODS compliance is a critical factor that can’t be addressed last-minute. Barlar stresses the importance of maintaining accurate logs for the entire week leading up to the Roadcheck. Inspectors will review logs for the past seven days, and any discrepancies can lead to enforcement action. To avoid violations, carriers should double-check drivers’ hours of service and ensure proper logging of breaks, trailer numbers, and bill-of-lading information. “Being diligent now about hours-of-service and logbook accuracy will help ensure smooth inspections during the Roadcheck period,” Barlar explained.
3. ELDs: Be Prepared for Scrutiny Inspectors will focus on long-haul truck drivers, making it crucial for OTR carriers to be prepared. Barlar recommends reviewing the ELD malfunction instruction sheet and having essential documentation ready in the permit book, such as blank logbook pages, ELD manuals, and transfer instructions. Being familiar with these materials before an inspection can save time and reduce stress.
Why Partner with Reliance Partners? Reliance Partners is committed to helping our clients stay compliant and protected. We specialize in commercial transportation insurance and understand the unique challenges that trucking companies face. Our team of experts can provide tailored insurance solutions, including coverage for cross-border operations, ensuring that your fleet is both protected and compliant.
With our industry-leading knowledge and experience, Reliance Partners is here to help you navigate the complexities of insurance and regulatory compliance. Don’t let the International Roadcheck catch you off guard—partner with us to ensure your insurance coverage is as reliable as your fleet.
Visit reliancepartners.com today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive with customized insurance solutions. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mark Barlar directly at mark.barlar@reliancepartners.com.
Prepare now for the International Roadcheck and make sure your fleet is ready for anything the inspectors throw your way. With the right preparation and the right insurance partner, you can face inspections with confidence and keep your business on track.
Check out the full article on FreightWaves for more insights here.
