That dreaded time of the year for truckers is fast approaching, and no I’m not talking about tax season. Well, not yet anyway. The dates for the 28th annual
International Roadcheck have officially been set, and the 72-hour roadcheck sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will begin on June 2, 2015, and run through June 4, 2015.
Though it may seem like a hassle, the International Roadcheck is actually a huge benefit to truckers and civilians alike. And as long as you’re prepared, you should be able to pass without a hitch–which is why TSNAmerica is here to make sure you have all of the information you need to make it through Roadcheck 2015 with ease.
What is the International Roadcheck?
Over the years, the program has helped educate both the trucking industry and the general public about the importance of safe commercial vehicle operations. The inspections will be done by over 10,000 CVSA-certified local, state, provincial, and territorial inspectors in jurisdictions across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Every minute during this year’s roadcheck, an estimated 17 trucks and buses will be inspected, so be sure to prepare so that your truck isn’t one of the nearly 19 percent of trucks put out of service every year.
Driver Requirements:
The inspectors will be administering the North American standard Level I inspection, which is an incredibly thorough 37-step inspection that takes roughly an hour to complete. During the inspection, drivers will be tested for seatbelt usage as well as for the use of drugs or alcohol during vehicle operation. Drivers will also be required to provide their:
- Driver’s License
- Endorsements
- Hours-of-Service Documentation
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate
- Skill Performance Evaluation (If Applicable)
Vehicle Requirements:
The truck itself will also be checked, which will include inspection of the vehicle’s:
- Braking System, Coupling Devices, Exhaust System, Frame, Fuel System, Lights, Safe Loading Ability, Steering Mechanism, Drive Line, Suspension, Tires, Van and Open-Top Trailer Bodies, Wheels & Rims, Windshield Wipers
Point of Emphasis for 2015
Every year, the CVSA selects a special category of violations for both inspectors and drivers to focus on, and this year the emphasis is being placed on cargo securement. The reason is because CVSA has deemed that proper cargo securement in carrier vehicles is a matter of public safety.
Here are some ways to be sure you are adequately prepared to have your cargo securement inspected:
- After traveling the first several miles of the trip, be sure to stop and re-check the tie downs and all other load security equipment. This is actually a legal requirement for all truck drivers carrying loads of any type.
- Brace and block the cargo being carried as cargo can often slide during transport even if secured properly. Oftentimes an extra block or brace is all that is needed to keep the cargo from shifting too much during shipment.
- Inspect tie downs for wear or damage before use. Often the reason for cargo moving during transport is because the tie downs meant to keep it in place are worn and therefore break. Proper inspection before use can prevent this from ever becoming an issue during transport.
Why Should I Prepare for Roadcheck 2015?
Overall, the International Roadcheck has been wildly successful since its inception in 1988. The program has seen over 1.4 million vehicles inspected in its 27 years of operation, and those inspections have saved an estimated 318 lives and prevented 5,840 accidents.
Not to mention that on average, having your truck put out of service by an inspector will cost you $861, and that doesn’t even include the cost of fines or repairs as a result of the inspection. So in addition to potentially saving lives, save yourself some time and money by making sure you have all the proper documentation, and have taken all the proper precautionary measures to ensure that you pass inspection.
If you have any questions to help ensure that you are informed and safe for the International Roadcheck, give
TSNAmerica a call at 803.386.0320 or email them at
support@tsnamerica.com. Not only can they answer any questions you may have about International Roadcheck, but they also help their clients with their HVUT, quarterly IFTA filings, and even their
HazMat Certificate of Registration.
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