The Blitz is on!!!!!!

The CVSA annual Roadcheck safety blitz is happening this Tuesday June 7th to Thursday June 9th, 2011. Much of the focus of this year’s Roadcheck (similar to past years) will be enforcing HOS and logbook violations. One of the other primary reasons cited by inspectors for placing vehicles and drivers out of service is brakes.

Have some questions about Roadcheck? Read on to find the answers!

So, who is CVSA??
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is made up of local, state, provincial and federal motor-carrier safety officials and industry representatives in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The CVSA sponsors Roadcheck and counts on participation by the FMCSA, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (Mexico).

What typically happens during Roadcheck?
Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial vehicles in the world, with approximately 14 trucks or buses being inspected, on average, every minute from Canada to Mexico during the yearly 72 hour period. Each year, approximately 100,000 CVSA-certified local, state, provincial and federal inspectors at 1,500 locations across North America perform truck and bus inspections. As an example, in 2010, CMV enforcement conducted 65,327 inspections across the United States alone.

What should you, as a carrier, pay special attention to?
These areas should be maintained and in compliance YEAR ROUND, but here is typically what inspectors will be checking out for violations:
- Logbooks and HOS
- Brakes
- Coupling Devices
- Fuel & Exhaust Systems
- Frame, Van, & Open-Top Trailers – for cracks and corrosion
- Lighting
- Securement of Cargo
- Steering
- Suspension
- Tires, Wheels, Rims, & Hubs

Did you know, if you are put out of service, it will cost you an average of $861??? – and that doesn’t even include the costs of fines or repairs as a result of the inspection! Make sure you will pass inspections this year!!! For more information on Roadcheck 2011, visit the CVSA’s website!!!!

Do you have any personal experiences with Roadcheck? Ever had an inspection during this time? Please share!!!