How to Prepare for CVSA International Roadcheck 2024

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) International Roadcheck is an anticipated enforcement initiative that spans across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, focusing on ensuring compliance with vehicle standards and driver operating requirements. Slated for May 14-16, 2024, this high-visibility event aims to promote road safety and prevent violations that could impact carriers' safety records.

Focus Areas for 2024:

The 2024 Roadcheck will target specific components of road safety:

• Alcohol and Controlled Substances: Emphasizing the enforcement of regulations against alcohol and controlled substance possession. Carriers are advised to enforce strict policies to avoid violations and should utilize the U.S. Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse to confirm that their drivers comply with federal guidelines.
• Tractor Protection Systems: There will be a particular focus on components like the tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve, and anti-bleed-back valve. Inspections will assess if vehicles towing trailers with air brakes are equipped with appropriate protection systems to prevent air loss, which is crucial for maintaining operational safety.

Preparation Strategies:

To minimize the risk of violations during the Roadcheck, carriers can take several proactive steps:

1. Ensure Up-to-Date Documentation: Confirm that all company credentials and driver paperwork, including licenses and vehicle maintenance records, are current.
2. Driver Training and Retraining: Refresh training on key compliance topics such as vehicle inspections, hours-of-service regulations, and electronic recordkeeping to ensure drivers are fully prepared for roadside inspections.
3. Conduct Pre-Roadcheck Safety Blitzes: Organizing internal safety blitzes can help in ensuring that drivers understand inspection expectations and adhere to safety protocols, particularly in conducting thorough pre-trip inspections.
4. Audit Pre-Trip Inspections: Safety teams should verify that drivers perform comprehensive pre-trip inspections, focusing on critical elements such as lights, tires, and placards. This is especially important in ensuring that drivers recognize the importance of these inspections, even if they are not the ones who hooked up the trailer.
5. Enhance Safety and Maintenance Collaboration: Establish clear communication lines between safety and maintenance teams to address and resolve any discrepancies quickly. This includes investigating any roadside violations to prevent recurrence and ensuring that maintenance checks are thorough and timely.

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Supporting Safety Managers:

Recognizing the intense pressures faced by safety managers, it’s crucial for every member of a carrier’s team to understand the challenges and responsibilities involved in maintaining compliance and safety. Effective preparation not only helps in achieving positive outcomes during the Roadcheck but also enhances overall operational safety and efficiency.

By investing in comprehensive preparation measures like the J. J. Keller Encompass Fleet Management System, carriers can better manage risks associated with vehicle inspections and driver compliance, ensuring readiness for any inspection, not just during the CVSA Roadcheck. This proactive approach is essential in maintaining a strong safety record and minimizing potential downtime due to violations or out-of-service determinations.

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Source:

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/how-to-prepare-for-cvsa-international-roadcheck-2024