Get Ready for the CVSA ‘Inspection Blitz’

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance kicks off its annual roadside inspection blitz May 14-16, 2024, conducting what it calls a “high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative” simultaneously in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. 

What is the CVSA International Roadcheck?

During the three-day inspection blitz, CVSA-certified law enforcement personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations and temporary sites — as well as via mobile patrols — to verify compliance with federal, state, provincial, or territorial regulations. The collected data from the inspections will be released this summer.

Every year, the CVSA selects two special areas of focus for its inspections, and this year’s includes extra attention on tractor protection systems and alcohol/controlled substance possession. The CVSA has created an inspection bulletin with tips on properly checking tractor protection systems, also available in French and Spanish.

For fleets and telematics providers, the results of these annual inspections provide helpful insights into vehicle safety and areas for improvement to avoid future violations. For example, the 2023 Roadcheck event included more than 53,847 Level I, II, and III inspections. Results revealed a 19.3% out-of-service rate for vehicles and a 5.8% out-of-service rate for drivers, based on the CVSA’s extensive pass-fail out-of-service criteria. 

How does fleet management software help you prepare for CVSA inspections?

As a provider of telematics and fleet management tools, Platform Science invests significant research and effort to help fleets stay compliant and safe. In working with fleets worldwide, we have found that most carriers struggle with these highly cited ELD violation areas: failure to certify logs, driving beyond the 14-hour duty period, and false reporting of eRODs. 

Fortunately, multiple Platform Science features can help your fleet prepare for the upcoming inspection blitz by automating certain safety and compliance tasks. Read on to learn more about the features that can help keep your drivers and vehicles compliant. 

• Reduced Form & Manner Violations: With shipper, bill of lading (BOL), and load data automatically populated into the driver’s ELD record from their load, you minimize the risk of getting a Form & Manner violation (the most highly cited violation among most US fleets). 

• Simplified Certification & Recertification: We prompt drivers to certify logs before going On Duty and to re-certify logs upon editing, ensuring accuracy and compliance from the outset of your drivers’ days. 

• Seamless Transition into Inspection Mode: Prompt drivers into On Duty status when entering inspection mode to reduce the likelihood of oversight during crucial inspections.

• Easy Access to Required Documents: With one-touch access to essential ELD documents within the inspection tab, we eliminate the hassle of rummaging through paperwork, saving time and getting inspectors exactly what they need. 

• Notifications Available at Roadside: We make it easy for you to receive notifications that a driver has been pulled over for a roadside inspection and even easier to transfer those logs for straightforward compliance automatically. 

• Flexible Log Transfer Options: Whether through web services or email, convenient log transfer options cater to the diverse needs of drivers and fleets – and the inspection officer 

• Enhanced DVIR Functionality: Our DVIR features include persistent defects notifications to reduce errors and increase a consistent safety record, while also integrating with the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) to expedite border crossing.

• Proactive Safety Measures: Persistent HOS timer warnings – both audio and visual – alert drivers and prevent violations before they occur. 

• Comprehensive Reporting & Auditing: With features like the HOS Utilization Report and Rejected Unassigned Drive Time Report, you can readily audit your drivers’ ELD records, identify areas for improvement, and maintain compliance with confidence. 

Using these features, your fleet can stay road-ready for inspections at any time of year. To learn more about how Platform Science can help you achieve your compliance goals, contact us today.