The 2023 International Roadcheck – How to Prepare Your Fleet

Apr 29, 2023 | DOT, Driver File Qualification File Management, Press Release

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) puts on its International Roadcheck annually, and it’s fast approaching. This 72-hour inspection and enforcement event is happening May 16-18 this year, and the CVSA’s main objective is to inspect a high number of commercial vehicles in a highly visible manner.

Each year the CVSA has certified inspectors in Mexico, the United States, and Canada who perform detailed inspections of both commercial motor vehicles and their drivers at designated inspection areas, along roadways, and at weigh stations throughout the three countries. At DQM Connect, we want to help you be informed and prepared ahead of the 2023 event.

 

What’s the focus of this year‘s International Roadcheck?

The CVSA always chooses one or more focus areas in order to highlight specific aspects of vehicle and roadway safety. The 2023 International Roadcheck’s focus will be on cargo securement and anti-lock braking systems (ABS).

 

ABS and Cargo Securement

Anti-lock braking systems are extremely important to prevent the risk of vehicle collisions as they help the wheels of vehicles avoid skidding or locking up. This gives the driver far more control when braking the vehicle which is especially important in inclement weather or traffic.

Cargo securement is obviously critical as well since losing cargo poses an extremely serious risk to other motorists on the roadways and the commercial vehicle drivers themselves. Loose or improperly secured cargo impacts the maneuverability of the vehicle and can cause collisions and traffic hazards if improperly secured loads should fall from the vehicle.

 

What generally happens at the International Roadcheck?

Throughout the three days of the International Roadcheck the CVSA inspectors perform roadside safety inspections of drivers and their commercial motor vehicles in order to generate data. The data that is collected is analyzed and presented later in the year as an overall picture of driver and commercial motor vehicle safety.

This three day annual event also offers the opportunity to educate the general public and the motor carrier industry themselves about the critical importance of both safety and about the North American Standard Inspection Program.

 

What is the North American Standard Inspection Program?

The North American Standard Level I Inspection Program employs inspectors who focus on two different areas: driver safety compliance and vehicle safety compliance.

 

#1. Driver Safety Compliance:

The inspector for the North American Standard Level I Inspection will review the operating credentials of the commercial drivers, their status in the drug and alcohol clearinghouse, their proper seat belt usage, check the documentation of their hours of service, and will look for drug and/or alcohol impairment.

 

#2. Vehicle Safety Compliance:

The inspectors look over many components of the commercial vehicle, most often including:

  • driveline/driveshaft components
  • the driver’s seat
  • the vehicle’s braking systems (including ABS)
  • coupling devices
  • frames
  • proper cargo securement
  • lighting and electrical (including running lights, brake lights, signals, etc.)
  • steering
  • tires, wheels, rims, and hubs
  • windshield wipers
  • suspension
  • fuel and exhaust systems

 

If they are inspecting a passenger carrying vehicle such as a large van or motorcoach, they will also typically check the emergency exits, electrical cables and systems in the engine, the battery compartments, and proper seating.

 

What happens when commercial vehicles pass the North American Standard Inspection?

When commercial vehicles successfully pass the North American Standard Inspection, they typically receive a CVSA decal that is valid for three months from the date of issue.

 

What happens if a vehicle is found to have critical vehicle inspection violations?

If the inspector finds that a commercial vehicle has critical vehicle inspection item violations, the vehicle is usually barred from operating until those violations have been corrected.

Drivers may also be separately restricted from operating commercial vehicles if they are found to have out of service violations, do not possess the proper licenses, or exhibit signs of driving under the influence.

 

How can companies prepare for the International Roadcheck?

Companies will need to make sure they can provide:

  • Driver’s license and operating credentials
  • Driver’s record of duty status
  • Vehicle inspection reports
  • Medical examiner certificate and skill performance evaluation certificate
  • The driver should also be prepared to show proper seat belt usage and be free of illness, drug and alcohol use, and fatigue.

 

What are pointers to help fleet companies during the International Roadcheck?

At DQM Connect we want to help you get ready to pass the International Roadcheck, and our DQ file management software can do just that. What is DQM exactly? DQM stands for driver qualification management software and it can help you prepare in key ways for the International Roadcheck and beyond. It can assist you with staying organized and having digital access to all documents as well as clear communication with drivers.

 

What else should companies do to prepare their vehicles?

  • check your brakes
  • check your tire pressure
  • ensure sure your running lights, tail lights, and brake lights are operational
  • clean up your vehicle both inside and outside
  • secure your load properly
  • drain air tanks periodically to clean the air

 

What is DQM Connect all about and how can we help your business?

DQM Connect is a company run by experts in the commercial fleet industry, and together we have decades of experience with DQ file management. Our friendly professionals can assist you with expediting the driver onboarding process, automate renewals, keep your files organized, encourage effective communication between drivers and staff, and reduce potential difficulty in the audit preparation process.

If you have any questions about the International Roadcheck we can also assist you in answering those and helping you make sure your DQ file management system is up-to-date and ready to go. Contact us anytime by calling (530) 384-3884 or emailing info@im4trux.com. You are also welcome to fill out our online demo form at the bottom of our webpage.

See More Like This

What’s the Difference Between DQM Connect and CRAs?

What’s the Difference Between DQM Connect and CRAs?

As fleet companies strive to maintain compliance with pre-hire drug and alcohol testing, background checks, and employment verification, the choice of service providers becomes essential. DQM Connect and Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) can both help with these...

read more