Preparing for the 2019 International Roadcheck
It’s that time of year again when your trucking company is making plans to stay off the road because of the CVSA International Roadcheck. This routine Roadcheck is scheduled for June 4-6 with an emphasis on steering and suspension systems. Instead of keeping your truck off the road, we want to help you continue driving, while avoiding possible violations potentially putting your business out of commission. We will explain the annual International Roadcheck, what to expect during the first week of June and give you tips on how to prepare so you don’t have to be out of commission during this time.
What is the International Roadcheck?
The International Road Check is a three-day occurrence that takes place during the summer once a year. These inspections aren’t different from any other day of the year, except for increasing the number of inspections during this time. According to the Certified Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), the Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks or buses inspected, on average, every minute across North America during a 72-hour period. It was created to increase safety and reduce crashes involving large trucks, buses and passenger vehicles.
What will this check include?
The 2019 inspection during June 4-6 will emphasize safety on steering and suspension system. Steering and suspension systems are critical to maintaining and operating any vehicle. These systems ensure that the vehicle is stable and controlled when braking and accelerating while also keeping tires aligned to control their functionality.
Specifically, these systems will include checking the following
- brake system
- cargo securement
- coupling devices
- driveline/driveshaft
- driver’s seat
- exhaust systems
- frames
- fuel systems
- lighting devices
- steering mechanisms
- suspensions
- tires
- van and open-top trailer bodies
- wheels, rims and hubs
- windshield wipers
Be sure to make sure you and your drivers also have all of the correct documentation, including a valid CLD, valid Federal medical Certificates, HOS documentation, a Motor Carrier registration, shipping papers/ documentation, a certificate of insurance, and a few other operating documents. This check simply wants to ensure that your truck is safe to be on the road and that the driver is properly permitted to be operating the vehicle.
How Should You Prepare?
Your truck should always be safe to run every day of the year. Our partner, TA|Petro is making it easy for you to continue running your trucking business. From May 1st to June 6th, TA|Petro is offering FREE mid-trip inspections to make sure your truck is up to standard at all stations with a valid coupon. The free inspection will include all of the necessary check-up items and focus on the list for the upcoming Roadcheck. Use code DOTL or DOTT and we have attached the coupon to the bottom of this post to make sure you are prepared come June 4!
We want to encourage you to continue running your normal lanes while making sure that you are meeting standard expectations of the 2019 International Roadcheck. We want to make sure you are staying safe by helping you prepare. Please contact your account manager for more information about the free TA Petro inspection or if you have any questions about the Roadcheck.