The CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) International Roadcheck is set to take place on June 5-7 of 2018. During these specified 72 hours, there will be inspections carried out across North America as motor vehicle inspectors carry out inspections and assessments of commercial motor vehicles and their drivers. This includes refrigerated produce transportation carriers, who have a duty to ensure that their refrigerated trucks are running as they should be. The focus of the 2018 roadcheck is said to be on hours-of-service compliance among workers.

Christopher Turner, CVSA President, said that hours-of-service violations were the main reason that commercial drivers were put out of service last year, with 32% of drivers being found in violation of the hours-of-service regulations. He went on to explain:

“Although the electronic logging device (ELD) rule that went into effect on Dec. 18, 2017, does not change any of the underlying hours-of-service rules or exceptions, the ELD mandate placed a spotlight on hours-of-service compliance.”

Most drivers who undergo the International Roadcheck will have to receive a North American Standard Level I Inspection, which is a 37-step procedure. This inspection looks at various things regarding your truck, such as its mechanical fitness. The test also assesses driver operating requirements, making sure that everything is how it should be.

The inspection will check various components and mechanisms of your refrigerated produce truck, so be sure to pre-test these components if possible and perform any last-minute maintenance in order to save yourself from failing the inspection. The inspection will test your truck’s cargo securing, brake systems, driveshaft components, coupling devices, exhausts, fuel systems, frames, lights, steering components, suspension, tires, trailer body, wheels, hubs, rims, and windshield wipers.

You will be required to provide the inspector with your operating credentials and hours-of-service documents, ensuring that all of your paper documents are thoroughly filled in and are accurate. Bear in mind that drivers will be assessed for signs of drug/alcohol usage (i.e. driving impairment) and their seat belt usage will also be noted, so be mindful of these things.

An official CVSA decal will be applied to the vehicle if it passes without any critical violations. On the other hand, if the vehicle is found to cause violations, then it will be rendered as out of service (assuming it meets the North American Out-of-service Criteria) until it is retested and deemed fit for service once more.

During the 72-hour International Roadcheck, around 17 buses and trucks will be inspected every minute, which includes vehicles in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The International Roadcheck is the biggest test of its kind in the world, with over 1.5 million roadside inspections having been conducted since the check was launched in 1988.

It’s important to be prepared for the Roadcheck, whether you’re a refrigerated produce transportation carrier or a regular fleet manager. Ensure that all of your paperwork is up to date and correct, whilst making sure that your vehicle(s) is in the best shape possible when the inspector comes around.