Are you ready for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 2021 International Roadcheck? This year, the International Roadcheck is taking place from May 4th to May 6th.
Continue reading below to find out how to get through these crucial 72 hours without any problems.
What is the CVSA 2021 International Roadcheck?
The International Roadcheck is a program by the CVSA to inspect commercial vehicles in North America. That includes the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Why does the CVSA perform the International Roadcheck? As CVSA’s president John Samis says, “…to remind motor carriers and drivers of the importance of proactive vehicle maintenance and driver readiness.”‘
The International Roadcheck is also to raise awareness about vehicle maintenance and get up-to-date vehicle and driver data to keep the roadways safe.
What Will Commercial Vehicle Inspectors Look For?
Like other years, there will be an inspection of the vehicle’s brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver’s seat, exhaust systems, frames, fuel systems, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, van, and open-top trailer bodies, wheels, rims, hubs, and windshields.
On top of that, the inspectors will also check the driver’s operating credentials, hours-of-service (HOS) documents, seat belt usage, and alcohol/drug impairment.
If any critical violations are found, the vehicle or driver will be placed out of service.
Lighting and Hours-of-Service (HOS) Special Focus
In 2020, the CVSA found that the lighting violation “lamps inoperable” was the most common vehicle violation taking up 12.24% of all vehicle violations.
Also, during last year’s international roadcheck, HOS violations were the number one reason for putting drivers out-of-service.
That means that during the 2021 International Roadcheck, inspectors will be scrutinizing lighting and HOS.
Tips on How to Be Prepared For the 2021 International Roadcheck
Keep Up With Maintenance
Keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance, especially with your vehicle’s brakes, wheels, and lighting. These are the violations that put most drivers out of service, so you’ll need to stay on top of them for the international road check.
Have All of Your Documents in Order
Make sure you have documents like your medical examiner’s certificate, HOS, driver’s license, vehicle inspection reports, and so on. Having these documents on hand will help you get through your inspection quicker and easier.
Stay Within Your HOS
This is the most important tip, especially during this year’s International Roadcheck. Make sure that you or your drivers are not exceeding their hours of service.
Having an electronic logging device (ELD) can save drivers and fleet managers hassle by automatically recording HOS.
Keep on Trucking
A good incentive for passing the international road check is the CVSA decal. Vehicles that pass the inspection without a critical violation after Level I or Level V inspection will receive a CVSA decal.
Vehicles with a CVSA decal are not re-inspected for three months.
Furthermore, being placed out-of-service wastes time and money when you or your drivers have loads they need to move. Make sure your vehicle is fully compliant to get through the International Roadcheck with ease.
