In the US, Canada, and Mexico, DOT Week is an annual celebration that usually takes place in June. The Department of Transportation (DOT) inspects trucks and buses, as well as other commercial vehicles, for safety violations throughout the week. The inspections may take place anywhere, including company buildings, weigh stations, and checkpoints along the road. The DOT also inspects vehicles for driver safety to ensure they adhere to the regulations.

Almost all aspects of vehicles and drivers are examined, including lighting, brakes, exhausts, suspensions, ELD compliance, tire tread, and more.

International Road Check 2023: Semi Truck Check List

The International Road Check event hosted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is slated to take place from May 16 to May 22, 2023. During this occasion, which is sometimes referred to as "DOT Week," law enforcement officers from all throughout North America focus on commercial motor vehicles and the drivers who operate them for inspection and enforcement.

Inspectors will check drivers and commercial motor vehicles at the roadside as usual during International Roadcheck. Later this year, data from those three days will be released in order to provide an overview of the state of driver and commercial vehicle safety.

The opportunity presented by International Roadcheck also allows for the promotion of the North American Standard Inspection Program and the importance of safe commercial motor vehicle operations within the motor carrier community and the general public.

Two areas of driver and vehicle safety compliance are the inspectors' primary concerns during a typical North American Standard Level I Inspection.

• Vehicle safety - Inspectors will check to see that the vehicle's brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, driver's seat, fuel and exhaust systems, frames, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims, hubs, and windshield wipers all meet safety standards. Along with the seats and emergency exits, motorcoaches, passenger vans, and other passenger-carrying vehicles must also have electrical cables and engine and brakes systems, and battery compartments.
• Driver safety - Inspectors will look at the driver's license, hours-of-service records, drug and alcohol clearinghouse status, use of seat belts, and level of intoxication.

More than 30% of the drivers suspended during DOT Week reportedly had a problem with their commercial motor vehicle (CMV) license. Several problems can lead to CMV infractions. These consist of the following:

• Driving with the incorrect class of license.
• Operating with a license that has expired.
• Operating while their license is revoked.

Trailer Checklist

• Check for rust, missing bolts, loose supports, or cracks in the trailer and truck frame.
• Secure landing gear and hanging objects.
• Verify the lights and fluids.
• Verify the reflective tape and the legibility of the license plate.
• Verify the license plate light.
• Verify that connections are encrypted.
• Check the electrical connection for tightness. Look for cracks, frayed wires, or exposed hoses on the tongue.
• Ensure that any necessary paperwork, such as registration and proper permits, is properly stored.
• Check connections for excessive wear and make sure that the hands are clean and tight.

EDL CheckList: Driver Folder Checklist

The majority of the advice in the cheat sheet is predictable, but I'll highlight a few of the more complex standards from each category:

• Check the low air pressure and ABS malfunction warning lights on the brakes. Verify that the breakaway mechanism is functional.
• Check the fuel and exhaust systems for excessive carbon buildup at clamps and seams.
• Looking for a space between the upper and lower fifth wheels is a coupling device.
• Check for any form of cracks on the frame van and open-top trailer.
• Check your steering wheel's lash to make sure it is within the permitted range.
• Lighting: Verify that the hue of each lamp is appropriate.
• Check that your load is appropriately blocked and braced before securing it.
• Check the vehicle for any rubbing or contact with the tires, wheels, rims, and hubs.

Commercial

What to Expect During Roadcheck 2023

The DMV's Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window (CVIEW) system identifies new rigs with companies that have never had an inspection, older companies that are past due, and trucks working for carriers that have low safety scores in order to decide which trucks would undergo a thorough inspection.

Inspectors will be searching for any critical vehicle inspection items violations, such as coupling devices, driveline and driveshaft components, steering mechanisms, exhaust and fuel systems, tire pressure, wheels, windshield wipers, lighting systems, and driver's seats. Non-compliant vehicles will be taken out of service, which prevents them from being used until the problematic conditions have been fixed.

Those who successfully complete vehicle inspections will be given a three-month CVSA decal to display on their trucks. Vehicles with a current CVSA decal won't typically require any extra inspections during that time.

Inspections will also carefully examine a driver's credentials, including their CDL status, current medical certification, and any violations listed in the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Additionally, inspectors will be on the watch for the proper use of seat belts, HOS (hours of service) documentation, and outward indications of exhaustion or alcohol/drug abuse, or impairment.

Prepare For Delays

You should anticipate an uptick in inspection activity at weigh stations, inspection locations, and even on the side of the road during DOT Week. These inspections are necessary to preserve road safety, but they can also put drivers and dispatchers in a serious holding pattern. During this event, around 15 trucks and motorcoaches are examined per minute on average. With so many inspections taking place, it's crucial to anticipate delays and modify your plans accordingly.

Prepare For Tight Capacity

It's normal for some drivers to take a break during DOT Week in order to escape the heightened scrutiny and possible infractions. As a result, there might be less space for shipment. Higher rates and longer lead times can result from this reduction in capacity.

Plan ahead and communicate with your logistics partner to make sure you have the accessible capacity for the entire week in order to lessen the effects of lower capacity. Try to be flexible that week and arrange hotter shipments for the week before.

We took this video from The Trucking Industry Channel YouTube Channel.