Category: CVSA inspection blitz

What You Need To Know About CVSA Roadcheck 2021

Posted on April 5, 2021 by - CVSA inspection blitz

Every year, the CVSA dedicates 36 hours to an inspection blitz of commercial motor vehicles. In 2020, that CVSA roadcheck was delayed until September and was performed at a lower capacity than is typical. In 2021 however, the CVSA is back with its typical May 4-6 road inspection blitz.

Each year, in addition to performing comprehensive Type I (37 point inspections) the CVSA chooses additional areas of particular focus. Here’s what you need to know about the CVSA roadcheck 2021 taking place May 4-6, 2021.

Road Inspection 2021

This year the CVSA says they will primarily focus on curbing lighting and hours of service (HOS) violations during the roadcheck week. With the recent advent of ELDs and a year of decreased enforcement due to the pandemic, this move makes sense. But what about the focus on lighting violations? Well, according to Freightwaves, vehicles with “lamps inoperable” violations made up 12% of offenders.

How to Prepare for Roadcheck 2021

Even though lighting and HOS are the primary focus of the 2021 CVSA roadcheck, it is vital to prepare for comprehensive inspections. 

This roadcheck preparation process should start with a registration checkup. Make sure you have all your forms and registration up to date and the paperwork in your cab with you. This could include but is not limited to: IRP, IFTA, Form 2290, DOT#, MC#, BOC-3, UCR#, and more. Additionally, you should probably have any supporting documents. 

Next, you should start checking your ELDs and/or logs. Make sure you know how to quickly present this information and that your unit has been accurately tracking data.

Finally, you should start making sure every part of your vehicle meets compliance regulations. Here’s a list of everything the CVSA inspector will be checking. Another great tip from Freightwaves is to make sure you have spare light bulbs and fuses in case your lights have issues. 

File Form 2290 before Roadcheck 2021

If you need a current Form 2290 for your records before the upcoming CVSA roadcheck inspection blitz, click the link below!

ExpressTruckTax.com provides the quickest and easiest solution for Form 2290 filings!

How To Prepare For The 2020 Roadcheck Inspection Blitz

Posted on September 4, 2020 by - CVSA inspection blitz

Next Wednesday through Friday (September 9-11), the CVSA Roadcheck Inspection Blitz will be stopping truckers everywhere.

Last year they focused primarily on Level 1 and Level 2 inspections of commercial motor vehicles.

This year, however, they have a new focus: Level 3 inspections of driver credentials and Hours of Service (HOS). Here’s what you need to know to be ready.

2020 Roadcheck Blitz Breakdown

According to the CVSA, some of the things they look for during a Level 3 inspection include:

“Driver’s license; Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) Certificate; driver’s record of duty status; hours of service; seat belt; vehicle inspection report(s); and carrier identification and status.” 

The record duty status and hours of service points mean that you need to be able to pull up information from your ELD. According to Overdrive.com, you are also required to have at least a week’s worth of paper logs as a backup, among other items related to your ELD.

The best way to avoid an inspection altogether is to have a well-maintained, pre-tripped truck and trailer. If your vehicle looks like it’s in rough shape, this can increase the likelihood of inspections. 

Just be safe, smart, and forthright with inspectors and you’ll be fine!

File your 2020 Form 2290 today

One important piece of information you may need to make sure your driver credentials are current is a stamped Schedule 1 for 2020. If you missed the 2290 deadline, you need to file today!

ExpressTruckTax makes that process quick and easy. You’ll be back on the road in less than 5 minutes!

How To Survive The 2019 CVSA Inspection Blitz

Posted on June 4, 2019 by - 2019 CVSA Roadcheck, 2019 Form 2290 filing, 72 hour dot inspection 2019, CVSA inspection blitz, CVSA Roadcheck 2019, E-file form 2290, expresstrucktax, ExpressTruckTax Plus

For 72-hours the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will be performing their annual road check. The 2019 CVSA Inspection Blitz will be taking place June 4-6 throughout North America, with steering and suspension systems being the primary focus. CVSA president, Jay Thompson says “steering and suspension are safety-critical systems for any commercial motor vehicle”.

Since the beginning of the CVSA International Roadcheck, it is recorded that an average of 17 trucks and buses are inspected, each minute in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Inspectors will be performing a 37-step procedure. During this inspection will include checking the following:

 

  • Brake systems
  • Cargo securement
  • Coupling devices*
  • Driveline/driveshaft
  • Driver’s seat
  • Exhaust systems*
  • Frames*
  • Fuel systems
  • Lighting devices*
  • Steering mechanisms*
  • Suspensions*
  • Tires*
  • Van/ open-top trailer bodies
  • Rims/hubs
  • Windshield wipers

*Find tips on this topic that can save you from being in violation, below

Just last year the 2018 CVSA Roadcheck placed 21.6% of vehicles inspected out of service (OOS). You can avoid being in this number by following our Express CVSA Roadcheck Guide.

Now that you know what will be inspected here is how you can ace it with flying colors:

Express CVSA Roadcheck Guide

Steering And Suspension Systems

With this being the main focus of this years check it is important that you make sure our steering lash is within the proper lash distance. Also, check for any damages and loose parts in your suspension.

Fuel And Exhaust Systems

Be aware of leaks, improper mounting, and excess carbon around seams and clamps.

Coupling Devices

Check the strength of any chains, wires, and ropes you use

Lighting Devices

Look for discoloration, improper mounting, non-functioning parts, and block visibility in all devices.

Frames

Check for corrosion fatigue on all frames, missing, loose, or cracked cross-members.

Tires

Make sure all tires are properly inflated, free of bulges, cuts and excessive tread wear.

The CVSA International Roadcheck is the largest inspection blitz. Last year there were over 67,000 inspections performed. Most of the inspections are level I inspections. A level I inspection consists of an examination of the motor carrier’s and driver’s credentials, record of duty status, mechanical condition of the vehicle, any hazardous materials or dangerous goods present during the inspection.

It is important to have your vehicle up to par for the inspection blitz, but it is also important to make sure that you are also within code. Driver’s operating without proper credentials, in violation of hours of services (HOS), or in possession of alcohol or narcotics may be placed out of service.

Compliance Advice

The best advice for truckers during the CVSA inspection is to remain calm.
Inspections can take time and the quicker you comply, the quicker the process will go.

These inspections are not designed to trip anyone up but are in place to regulate highway safety. In a press release issued by CVSA, Chief Thompson states that “The inspections performed during International Roadcheck are the same inspections that are conducted the day before International Roadcheck states and the day after it concludes, as well as any other day of the year.”
There isn’t anything new that will be a surprise for driver’s, so being in compliance shouldn’t be rare.

Next Steps To Take

Just as you have proactively prepared for this year’s road check, you can now do the same for the 2019 Form 2290 filing season.  ExpressTruckTax is happy to announce the kickoff of Form 2290 pre-filing. This opportunity is offered for both our loyal customers and new customers interested in choosing the Form 2290 market leader to handle their 2290 needs. Pre-filing not only opens the door for clients to save money but gives them the chance to win a FREE BlueParrott Bluetooth headset and more.
If you are short on time this 2019 Form 2290 filing season, you should try our sister product, ExpressTruckTax Plus. ExpressTruckTax Plus offers clients the ability to file over the phone and avoid the hassle of paper this season. Call 803.386.0320 and get started now.