With May already here, truck drivers and carriers should begin preparing for one of the most significant events of the year. The International Roadcheck, organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), will take place from May 17 to 19, 2022.
We at Truck-N-Trailer want to help drivers, carriers, and shippers prepare for inspections so that shipments aren’t halted.
What is International Roadcheck, and how does it work?
Inspections are not something we enjoy. They are, nonetheless, vital since they assist to maintain our safe roadways and prevent catastrophes from occurring owing to malfunctioning equipment. Over the course of 72 hours, the International Roadcheck takes place.
Commercial cars and drivers in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will be subjected to a 37-step North American Standard Inspection during that period. These Level I inspections will be conducted at a variety of locations, including weigh stations. Passing commercial vehicles will be given a CVSA decal, indicating that they will not be inspected again for the next three months.
Inspectors may conduct additional types of inspections, such as a Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection or a Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection. But only trucks that pass a Level I or V (Vehicle-Only Inspection) are eligible for a CVSA sticker.
Wheel Ends
The CVSA selects a new emphasis topic each year. Last year, all eyes were on illumination and service hours. Inspectors will shift their emphasis to wheel ends in 2022. Wheel end components are responsible for nearly a quarter of all inspection infractions.
Wheel ends frequently appear in lists of “Top 10 Vehicle Violations” for data enthusiasts. Wheel end components are critical because they aid drivers in maintaining vehicle stability and control, as well as supporting big loads and assisting in breaking.
Steps 15 and 18 of the 37-step check involve wheel end components. Inspectors will examine for leaks in tires and valve stems, debris between tires, broken wheel fasteners, and tread deterioration, among other things. Inspectors will, of course, check at a lot more than just the wheel ends. The CVSA has created a cheat sheet for carriers and drivers to utilize as they prepare for the inspection.
There are four possible outcomes: What criteria are used to rate vehicles?
Let’s have a look at it in more detail.
- The Phew Group. This group has several infractions, but none of them are considered “serious,” so they may keep driving and get a coveted CVSA decal. A decal will not be given if the non-critical offenses have anything to do with a rear impact guard.
- The Passing Group. This group obtains their CVSA decal after committing ZERO infractions.
- The Critical but Still Kicking Group. This group has critical violations but no OOS violations. These vehicles have been cleared to drive again, but they will not be given a CVSA decal.
- The Weakest Link Group. Unfortunately, this group has OOS violations, which were found using the North American Standard Out-Of-Service Criteria, and will need to rectify these violations before being given the green light to return to the road.
Even if a work truck passes and is allowed to return to the road, a driver’s license may be revoked. Inspectors check at operating credentials, impairment due to drugs or alcohol, hours-of-service documents, and seat belt usage when it comes to drivers.
Even if they are allowed to continue operating, both drivers and carriers should be aware that any infractions might affect the carrier’s Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) score. As a result, carriers must remedy any infractions as soon as possible to avoid further problems that may arise if breaches are discovered during future inspections.
Plan beforehand
The International Roadcheck may be a stressful and nerve-wracking experience for both carriers and drivers. Shippers, on the other hand, may experience significant anxiety and worry over delays in shipments.
Carriers should guarantee that all drivers complete pre- and post-trip checks on a regular basis to verify that everything is in functioning condition.
They should also spend time reviewing their company’s data in the United States. On a monthly basis, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System is used by the Department of Transportation.
Our dedicated team at your service
Our dedicated workforce at Truck-N-Trailer, premier truck dealer Oklahoma City, understands the importance of on-time delivery to both carriers and shippers.
We sell a range of work trucks to customers from all over the Continental United States and overseas as a well-known box truck dealer. If you require help and support, we are only a click away!
