International Roadcheck 2018–What Shippers Should Know
Heads up!
In case you didn’t know or have forgotten, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck 2018 is fast approaching. You know what that means–72 hours of round-the-clock vehicle and driver inspections beginning June 5 and ending June 7. The inspections will take place throughout North America–from Canada, through the United States, to Mexico.
What does the roadcheck entail?
Most inspectors will be completing full Level 1 inspections–a 37-step procedure that examines both the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and the driver.
The emphasis of this year’s inspection will be Hours of Service (HOS) for drivers. According to CVSA President Capt. Christopher Turner of the Kansas Highway Patrol, “The top reason drivers were placed out of service during 2017 International Roadcheck was for hours-of-service violations,”
Turner explained that with the enforcement of the ELD-Rule on December 18, 2017 (hard enforcement on April 1, 2018), it seemed like a good time to focus on HOS. Drivers will be inspected to ensure that they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and that they are wearing seatbelts. They will also be required to present their commercial driver license (CDL), their medical examiner’s certificate, along HOS documentation, record of duty status (RODS) in the proper ELD or automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD).
The inspection, itself is much more comprehensive than just driver checks. According to CVSA, the vehicle inspection includes checking:
- brake systems
- cargo securement coupling devices
- driveline/driveshaft components
- exhaust systems
- frames
- fuel systems
- lighting devices
- steering mechanisms
- suspensions
- tires
- van and open-top trailer bodies
- wheels
- rims and hubs
- windshield wipers
The inspectors will be busy completing a whopping 17 inspections of trucks and buses every minute! Since the first annual inspection in 1988, over 1.5 million trucks and buses have been inspected during the roadcheck campaigns.
So What does the roadcheck mean for shippers?
Historically, the annual International Roadcheck tightens capacity. The CVSA recently estimated ELD compliance to be roughly 95% with higher compliance for larger carriers and lower compliance levels in smaller carriers. Some folks believe the higher compliance rates will keep more trucks on the road.
We’re a little more skeptical, advising our customers not to be lulled by these high compliance numbers–the truth is lots of trucks will stay parked during the week of the inspection. The chance of violations and being put out of service–last year 9,398 vehicles were placed out of service during the three days of inspections–are too big a risk for many carriers to take.
Smart shippers should plan for disruption and work with their 3PL to navigate the expected crunch. Here at AM Transport, we weather this storm every year. We know what to do and who to call, so our customers can get back to doing what they do best!