5 Ways for Carriers to Prepare for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Road Check 2019

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Roadcheck is right around the corner. Are you prepared?

The CVSA International Roadcheck is June 4-6. This year, the focus will be on suspensions, systems, and steering — all critical components to safe braking and accelerating, and for keeping trucks safe on the road.

“Steering and suspension are safety critical systems for any commercial motor vehicle. Not only do they support the heavy loads carried by trucks and buses, but they also help maintain stability and control under acceleration and braking, keeping the vehicle safely on the road,” said Jay Thompsonm — CVSA president and chief with the Arkansas Highway Police — in a press release.

What does CVSA Roadcheck mean for carriers?

Inspections are not new for carriers, but the increased frequency during Roadcheck week causes delays and the possibility of violations for even the safest and most prepared carriers.

The CVSA recently implemented new “out of service” guidelines and, according to the organization, “those violations render the driver, vehicle and/or motor carrier out of service until the condition(s) or violation(s) can be corrected or repaired.”

The CVSA estimates there are on average 17 inspections of trucks and buses each minute during Roadcheck. Last year, there were 67,103 inspections. A full 21% of carriers failed their inspections.

To help you successfully navigate this process, follow these five tips to help you prepare for Roadcheck:

1. Focus on your “pre-trip.” You want your trucks to be in inspection-ready condition at all times. This means checking systems and items to make sure they are in good shape. These include but aren’t limited to:
   • brake systems
   • cargo securement
   • coupling devices
   • driveline/driveshaft
   • exhaust systems and frames
   • fuel systems
   • lighting devices (headlamps, tail lamps, etc.)
   • steering mechanisms and suspensions
   • tires
   • windshield wipers
2. Have the necessary paperwork. Again, this is just a best practice to practice at all times while you’re behind the wheel. Be sure to have your:
   • Driver’s license
   • Medical Examiner’s Certificate
   • Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate (if applicable)
   • Driver’s record of duty status
   • Hours of service log
   • Prior vehicle inspection report(s) (if applicable)
3. Know the signs of steering and suspension issues. FleetOwner shares this tip: When your truck is in the shop for regularly scheduled maintenance or for a repair, be sure to have your technician check your steering and suspension components and systems. Issues may not be readily visible, so be aware of the signs of issues. They include:
   • Unusual noise when turning, applying the brakes, accelerating, or driving over bumps
   • Excessive play or binding in the steering wheel
   • The vehicle wandering, pulling to one side or back and forth while being driven
   • Rough steering or vibration
   • A vehicle leaning to one side
   • Uneven tire wear
4. Double check your rear guard. According to FreightWaves, rear trailer guides are high on the CVSA’s inspection list. Before heading out on the road, repair any damage and make sure everything is in working order to avoid getting an out-of-service penalty.
5. Convoy can help! Take advantage of better load selection during Roadcheck, since others will be sitting on the sidelines. You can book loads and keep track of  rates using the Convoy app. Prices typically increase during Roadcheck week, so you open the app and get access to great loads.

Carriers – get instant access to all loads in the Convoy network here.

Shippers – want to get ahead of Roadcheck Week 2019? Contact your account representative, or visit the shipper hub.