CVSA Trucking Alert!

2019 CVSA Roadcheck to Focus on Steering and Suspension Systems

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual International Roadcheck will run June 4-6, 2019. During the International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. This year’s blitz will place a special emphasis on steering and suspension systems.

Over the 72-hour blitz period, commercial motor vehicle inspectors in jurisdictions throughout North America will conduct assessments of commercial motor vehicles and drivers. Drivers are required to provide their license, Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate (if applicable), record of duty status and vehicle inspection reports (if applicable). As mentioned above, this year’s roadcheck will focus heavily on steering and suspension systems.

According to the CVSA, steering and suspension systems are critical for commercial vehicle safety. Specifically, these systems help vehicles support heavy loads and assist in stability and handling under acceleration and braking. What’s more, steering and suspension systems can help keep tires in alignment, thus reducing the likelihood of tire wear and failure.

Other items evaluated in the inspection include:

• brake systems
• coupling devices
• drivelines and driveshafts
• emergency exits
• exhaust systems
• frames
• fuel systems
• lighting devices
• tires
• van and open-top trailer bodies
• wheels, rims and hubs
• windshield wipers

Inspectors will also be on the lookout for any apparent alcohol or drug impairment.

If no critical inspection violations are found during inspection, a CVSA decal will be applied to the vehicle, indicating that the vehicle successfully passed a decal-eligible inspection conducted by a CVSA-certified inspector. However, if an inspector identifies any violations, they may render the driver or vehicle out of service. This means that the driver cannot operate the vehicle until the violations are corrected. To read the official release from the CVSA about this year’s roadcheck, click here.

Minimize your risk, and prepare for a possible inspection by utilizing the following resources:

• Guide to DOT Vehicle Inspection Levels
• Vehicle Inspection Checklist
• Driver’s Vehicle Inspection Report
• Hours of Service Logbook Guidelines

If you have any additional questions, contact your Seubert Service Team.