It’s never too early to get ready for an upcoming inspection, especially when you know it’s going to happen. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has planned it’s annual International Roadcheck Inspection blitz for May 5 through May 7. If that sounds early, you’re right. Typically this blitz occurs in June, but the timing was changed to avoid weather problems in certain regions.
In 2019, 12,000 trucks and 2,700 drivers were placed out of service during the blitz. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you and your drivers avoid that in 2020.
This year’s 72-hour inspection blitz will focus on driver requirements, but inspectors will primarily perform full 37-point North American Standard Level I inspections.
For drivers, they’ll pay special attention to:
- CDLs
- Medical records
- Seat belts
- Records of duty status (RODS)
- ELD compliance
For vehicles, law enforcement will check:
- Brake systems
- Cargo securement
- Driveline components
- Exhaust systems
- Frames
- Fuel systems
- Lights
- Steering
- Suspension
- Tires
Trucks with no critical violations will receive a CVSA decal for the truck which shows it has passed a decal-eligible inspection and that inspection was completed by a CVSA-certified inspector.
How to Prepare for the Inspection Blitz
It’s never too early to prepare for an inspection. What you and your drivers do now will make a big difference in May and throughout the year.
Have your driver’s conduct pre and post-trip inspections. Provide digital checklists so they know exactly what to look for. This will help catch maintenance and repair issues before they become problems.
Make sure everyone knows how to use their ELD. A good ELD system should be reliable and easy to use. Transmitting information during an inspection should be quick and simple. Take advantage of training options your ELD provider offers.
Upgrade your ELD system. Not happy with the ELD you currently use? Is it down more than it’s functioning? Can you remember the last time it had a software upgrade? Are your drivers confused about what to do during inspections? It may be time to find a better system. Doing it now will give everyone time to adjust and learn before May.
Update your fleet management system. Some of the information your drivers may be asked for during an inspection shouldn’t be left to paper copies. Not in the 21st century. With the right fleet management system, the most important documents and information can be stored digitally and easily accessed during an inspection.
Don’t have a fleet management system or ELD system that can get your fleet ready for upcoming inspections? Gorilla Safety can help! Make the switch so you’re ready for roadside inspections whenever they happen.
