International Roadcheck 2017
No truck driver likes to get inspected on the roadside, that much is for certain. When you are stuck on the side of the road during an inspection, it takes away from driving time and can ruin your delivery schedule. If you fail that inspection, you might even get shut down, which is every trucker’s worst nightmare. However, knowing about an upcoming inspection takes away a bit of the pressure. Take the upcoming Roadcheck 2017, more formally known as the International Roadcheck Enforcement Event. We’ve compiled the most important information you need to know to help you achieve a clean inspection during the event.
When is the International Roadcheck 2017 Taking Place?
International Roadcheck 2017 will take place for a 72-hour period from June 6 to 8, which is a Tuesday through Thursday. So, for truck drivers hauling freight during the middle of the week, which covers 99 percent of over the road truckers, be on alert.
Who is the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance?
Also known as CVSA, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is an international organization and nonprofit that is directed by federal and state governments. The CVSA sets the rules for truck driving inspections, formerly the North American Standard Inspection Program. So, every time you get inspected, including during Roadcheck 2017, you are under the watchful eye of the CVSA. As you know, the inspectors themselves are working for the Department of Transportation.
Who Will be Inspected During Roadcheck?
Commercial motor vehicles of all sizes and in all cities across North America are likely to get inspected during this roadside check. On average, 15 trucks and buses are inspected every minute during International Roadcheck. The inspection event has taken place for the past 30 years. Over that period of time, more than 1.4 million truckers and bus drivers have been inspected during this event.
What are the Key Inspection Points for This Year’s Inspection Event?
The CVSA is looking at one area of inspections more closely than the rest:
- Cargo securement safety – Be sure you are up to snuff on safe cargo securement regulations. Securing your cargo correctly is paramount to getting your loads delivered safely each and every haul. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the most current cargo securement rules include:
- If you are hauling freight over the interstate, i.e. you are an over-the-road truck driver, you must comply with cargo securement rules.
- All types of cargo except tanker loads and box van freight must be secured.
- All cargo restraints must be in working order and free of wear-and-tear or damage.
- Ways to restrain cargo include the use of tie downs, winch straps, straps with cam buckles, and transport chains.
- Don’t forget about your furniture pads and corner protectors to keep your cargo not just secure but in the right condition upon arrival at your destination.
- Tie downs to be used include cordage, wire rope, synthetic webbing, chain, or steel strapping. Before you leave for your next trucking load, double-check all of your cargo restraint methods to make sure you are good to go. After all, this is what these inspectors will be looking for most of all during the inspection.
What Level of Inspection is Held During the Event?
This year, roadside inspectors will be conducting Level I inspections. Yes, this is the most detailed type of roadside inspection, and it takes a lot of time to complete. The Level I inspection also gives inspectors plenty of opportunities to find fault in truck drivers and their equipment, therefore, pre- and post-trip inspections are a must!
Pre- and Post-trip Inspections
You will be the most prepared for the Roadcheck 2017 if you are diligent and always complete your pre-trip inspection. In your pre-trip inspection, check all of the following things:
- Driver paperwork, which involves checking your CDL, hours of service logs, motor carrier registration and shipping paperwork
- Seat belt use – Be sure your seat belt is in good operating order and be sure to have it fastened when you are driving.
- Drugs or alcohol detection – Stay sober, don’t drink and drive, and don’t use illegal drugs.
- Brake systems check
- Lighting devices
- Fuel systems – Load appropriately per dispatch instructions
- Exhaust systems and emissions compliance
- Steering mechanisms and suspension systems
- Wheels, tires, rims, and hubs
- Frames, driveline/driveshaft, and coupling devices
- Reefer trailer bodies
- Wipers
At the end of your driving shift, be sure to do your post-trip inspections. Pre- and Post-trip inspections are designed to prevent maintenance issues.
Don’t forget, the highlight of Roadcheck 2017 is cargo securement, which needs to be in perfect working order as well.
Where is the Roadcheck Taking Place?
As the CVSA is an international organization, the Roadcheck will be held in the US, as well as Canada and Mexico. Here in the US, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is participating in the inspection process.
Why are Commercial Truck Drivers Subject to International Roadcheck 2017?
The main reason why the CVSA has the International Roadcheck event year after year is to, “Conduct compliance, enforcement and educational initiatives.” With the data gathered from these inspections, the CVSA and FMCSA are better prepared to improve truck driver safety.
What are Some Tips for Preparing for the Roadcheck Event?
Start by going over your pre- and post-trip inspections more thoroughly. Repair and maintain anything that needs attention. Also, check all of your driver documents including your motor carrier registration and CDL just to make sure you are on the up-and-up. The last thing you want is to get shut down during International Roadcheck because of a paperwork error.
Another tip is to be on your best behavior if you are pulled over for a roadside inspection. After all, you may be getting inspected by a DOT inspector at random, and not as part of the Roadcheck inspections. In that case, a good attitude, tidy cab and paperwork in the proper order may give you the good old, move-along.
Roadside inspections may take valuable time out of your route. However, without these inspections, the Department of Transportation, FMCSA and CVSA are unable to monitor those rogue truckers who are detrimental to highway safety. As long as you are in good shape with your driver information and your tractor-trailer, then you should be able to pass any Roadcheck with flying colors.