Latest news with #InternationalRoadcheck
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rope in gearbox, bald tires: Thornton police show unsafe vehicles on Colorado roadways
DENVER (KDVR) — The Thornton Police Department said it removed several vehicles and drivers from Colorado roadways in a recent commercial vehicle operation. The efforts were part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance International Roadcheck, a three-day effort for law enforcement to focus on commercial vehicle safety, compliance and education. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox The police department said it uncovered 68 violations in the course of the event and removed seven vehicles and five drivers from service. The agency also found a vehicle with fictitious plates, as well as three unlicensed drivers and one driver who was in possession of drugs. 'The photos show just how dangerous some of these vehicles were — from bald tires to a steering gearbox held on with rope,' the agency said. Last month, Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies and Colorado State Patrol troopers partnered on an operation to remove unsafe commercial vehicles and drivers from the state's roadways, ultimately taking seven commercial vehicles and four commercial vehicle drivers out of service. In 2024, a commercial vehicle crashed on U.S. 285, killing one person and injuring others. A trucking industry expert told the Problem Solvers that the crash shows that enforcement of the vehicles is crucial to road safety. An arrest affidavit said the driver told troopers his brakes went out, but investigators measuring skids on the pavement determined the truck's brakes were working, although well below the minimum requirements. Investigators also reported that the truck had not been inspected since 2020. Colorado State Patrol said that the driver was convicted of speeding and operating without lawfully required equipment in 2022. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Roadcheck effects persist as truckload market still tightening
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) annual International Roadcheck inspection blitz has come and gone, but its effects on the trucking industry are proving more persistent than in recent years, revealing a market that may be more vulnerable to disruption than previously thought. The three-day enforcement initiative, which took place last Tuesday through Thursday, saw inspectors across North America conducting comprehensive examinations of both driver credentials and vehicle conditions. While Roadcheck week traditionally causes temporary market tightening as drivers opt to sideline their trucks, this year's aftermath suggests deeper structural issues in the freight market. During the inspection period itself, truckload capacity tightened noticeably, with the Outbound Tender Rejection Index (OTRI) increasing by over half a percentage point in just a few days. National tender rejection rates jumped from 5.21% on May 11 to 6.48% by Sunday. Simultaneously, the National Truckload Index (NTI), which tracks aggregated dry van spot rates, rose approximately 4.5% – from $2.19 a mile to $2.29 a mile – over the same period. What makes this year's Roadcheck response particularly notable is that these elevated rejection rates have persisted beyond the inspection period itself. The sustained tightening indicates this is potentially the most vulnerable the truckload market has been in years, despite broader economic historical context highlights just how unusual this year's reaction has been. In 2021, Roadcheck had minimal market impact as spot rates were already climbing 1%-2% weekly, creating strong financial incentives for drivers to remain operational despite inspection risks. The 2022 event was similarly muted, despite a collapsing demand environment, due to the sheer volume of carriers still on the road during that transitional market phase. Last year marked a more significant response to Roadcheck than previous years, though still relatively marginal and complicated by the Memorial Day holiday. This year's more dramatic and sustained market reaction suggests a fundamental shift in the balance between supply and demand. The current market conditions help explain this heightened sensitivity. Spot rates had declined by 8% over the previous three months, reflecting broader stagnation across the economy and freight sector. In this challenging environment, many carriers are operating with minimal financial cushion, simply trying to cover basic operational costs. A key insight from the SONAR data is that the surge in rejections wasn't driven by increased demand. The National Outbound Tender Volume Index (OTVI) showed stable tender volumes from shippers to carriers throughout the period, confirming that the tightening stemmed exclusively from the supply side of the year also introduced a variable that likely contributed to the market dynamics: the enforcement of an existing rule requiring drivers to speak and read English. While it's unclear if this was a focal point in this year's inspections, it potentially contributed to an increased number of drivers choosing not to operate, further constraining available capacity. For freight brokers and carriers, the lingering effects of Roadcheck could signal challenging conditions ahead. If this summer follows typical seasonal patterns, shippers will likely have an increasingly difficult time securing capacity, especially considering that current rejection rates are already approaching last year's summer peak levels. In 2023, rejections climbed from Roadcheck levels to 6.59% by early July, ahead of the Independence Day holiday. Looking ahead, while Roadcheck week alone won't fundamentally alter the difficult conditions facing the industry, its magnified impact this year serves as an important indicator of underlying market fragility. Additional potential disruptions loom on the horizon, including a recent surge in import bookings following the Trump administration's softening stance on tariffs with China. This could trigger a wave of inbound freight and contribute to a summer uptick in demand. The transportation industry may be approaching the catalyst it has been anticipating. While the immediate effects of Roadcheck will fade, the combination of evolving trade conditions, potentially low inventory levels and the demonstrated sensitivity to capacity disruptions suggests the market may be at an inflection point. The post Roadcheck effects persist as truckload market still tightening appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Freight thefts slam Southern California shippers; retail and consumers left holding tariff bag
On Episode 840 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about yet another freight theft in Southern California. The thieves spoofed a bill of lading and made off with a shipper's freight. Travelers' Scott Cornell stops by to talk about the rise of strategic theft and why your cargo may be at risk. President Donald Trump told Walmart to 'eat the tariffs,' but is that a realistic ask? With steep 30% tariffs across a lot of Walmart and many other retailers' items, they're saying cost increases are unavoidable. Rodney Manzo at Anvyl by Sage breaks down the company's latest state of the supply chain report, which looks at shipper fears around increasing costs related to tariffs, transportation, and shipping delays. The truckload market got tight last week due to International Roadcheck, but can it last? We'll take a look at the latest data in SONAR's Trade War Command Center, and we'll look at how rates, volumes and tender rejections are holding up. Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts The post Freight thefts slam Southern California shippers; retail and consumers left holding tariff bag | WHAT THE TRUCK?!? appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Preparing for Roadcheck 2025: What carriers and drivers need to know
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's International Roadcheck is here once again, and carriers across North America need to prepare for this annual three-day inspection blitz. With thousands of roadside inspections scheduled for May 13-15, motor carriers and drivers should understand what to expect in order to avoid costly violations and out-of-service orders. Roadcheck is an intensive three-day enforcement initiative where as many officers as possible conduct roadside inspections across North America. The event primarily emphasizes Level I inspections, which involve a comprehensive examination of both driver credentials and vehicle condition. For 2025, inspectors are focusing heavily on two specific areas: False logs and tire conditions. These focus areas inform carriers where enforcement officials will be directing extra attention, but inspectors will still be checking for all potential violations. The 2024 Roadcheck resulted in 48,761 inspections, providing valuable insights into common compliance issues. Of those inspections, 9,345 vehicles (23%) and 2,290 drivers (4.8%) received out-of-service orders. The top vehicle violations from 2024 included defective service brakes (25% of out-of-service violations), tire issues (20.8%), other brake system violations (18.3%), lights (11.6%) and cargo securement (9.6%). Notably, tire violations alone accounted for one in every five out-of-service orders issued, while brakes, tires, and lights collectively represented 75% of vehicle out-of-service violations. For drivers, the primary violations centered around hours of service compliance, operating without a required CDL, missing medical cards, false logs and suspended licenses. These statistics highlight the importance of focusing not only on the annual emphasis areas but also on perennially problematic areas like brakes and hours of service. Ensuring vehicles are properly maintained is critical before Roadcheck. Carriers should: Verify all vehicles are current on scheduled maintenance and annual inspections Implement a vehicle maintenance tracking system, such as J.J. Keller's Encompass® Fleet Safety & Compliance System Pay special attention to tire inspections, given this year's focus area: Check tread depth to ensure it exceeds the minimums required Inspect for condition issues like exposed cord, cuts, or gouges Verify proper inflation using an accurate gauge when tires are cold Drivers need refresher training on vehicle inspections, particularly focusing on: Conducting thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections Properly documenting defects on driver vehicle inspection reports Specifically examining tires for tread depth, condition issues, and proper inflation This preparation requires a coordinated training and communication effort from carriers to ensure all drivers understand inspection expectations and procedures. With driver qualifications commonly resulting in violations, carriers should: Verify all driver qualification files are complete and up-to-date Confirm drivers have the correct license class and endorsements Ensure drivers have current medical certificates Remind drivers to carry all required credentials during operation Implementing a back-office tracking system like Encompass can help carriers manage these compliance requirements more effectively. With false logs being a 2025 focus area, carriers should: Refresh drivers on hours of service regulations Audit driver logs prior to Roadcheck to identify and correct falsification issues Pay special attention to common falsification tactics: Driving while logged out of the ELD Ghost co-drivers Improper edits that shorten or eliminate driving time Misuse of personal conveyance Paper log mileage discrepancies or dropped trips Recording on-duty activities as off-duty time Using exception reports and conducting supporting document comparisons can help identify and address falsification before inspectors do. The consequences of performing poorly during Roadcheck extend far beyond the immediate violations and out-of-service orders. Carriers face: Lost revenue and increased costs from delays and unscheduled repairs Downgraded CSA scores from accumulated violations Potential for triggered compliance reviews or audits due to poor safety data Risk of receiving Conditional or Unsatisfactory safety ratings Potential loss of customers who require carriers to maintain satisfactory ratings The ripple effects of violations during Roadcheck can impact a carrier's operations for months or even years afterward. Thorough preparation for Roadcheck 2025 requires a systematic approach to vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications and hours of service compliance. By understanding the focus areas and addressing common violation causes before inspections occur, carriers can significantly reduce their risk of penalties and operational disruptions. Remember that while Roadcheck lasts only three days, the habits and systems developed in preparation should become standard practice for year-round safety and compliance. The post Preparing for Roadcheck 2025: What carriers and drivers need to know appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Is your fleet ready for CVSA's 2025 International Roadcheck?
With the year's largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles fast approaching, it's time for drivers and carriers in North America to start reviewing compliance efforts. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA) International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 13-15. This annual 72-hour event spans Canada, Mexico and the United States, focusing on high-visibility, 24-hour inspections and regulatory compliance enforcement for commercial motor vehicles. This year's Roadcheck places special emphasis on two crucial areas: Tires: Inspectors will scrutinize tires for tread depth and proper inflation, and look for damage such as audible air leaks, tread separation, cuts, bulges and improper repairs. Records-of-duty status (RODS): Hours-of-service regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue and enhance road safety. Inspectors will be on high alert for any discrepancies in RODS, including electronic logging device tampering, improper use of driving categories and false co-driver claims. During the Roadcheck, law enforcement will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection – a comprehensive 37-step procedure examining both driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. Vehicles passing without critical violations may receive a CVSA decal, valid for up to three months. Mark Barlar, director of DOT regulatory compliance at Reliance Partners, is a seasoned professional with decades of experience in both inspections and compliance. He sat down with FreightWaves to share some tips to help drivers ensure compliance with this year's Roadcheck focus areas. One simple practice Barlar suggests is to visually check tires multiple times per trip. Standard pre- and post-trip tire inspections often miss tire issues that can lead to failure. 'When you only do a visual check before and after the trip, you're only seeing two-thirds of the tire at any given time,' Barlar said. 'That's a significant amount of surface area you're missing, and damage can happen at any point during a long haul.' Drivers should be doing mid-trip inspections, Barlar says, whenever they get out of the vehicle for any reason. 'There's no reason not to do your due diligence,' he said. 'There are several criteria for tires to be deemed out-of-service during an inspection, and failure typically only happens when drivers don't conduct regular inspections themselves.' Tires occasionally catch debris, and long hauls increase the chances of serious blowouts on the highway. 'The more you check, the more likely you are to notice a failure before law enforcement intervenes,' Barlar said. Drivers can find and repair tire issues all the way up until May 12, but it's a good idea to start doing those more regular checks now and begin catching any points of failure. Unlike tires, however, RODS compliance cannot be fixed with last-minute repairs. Barlar notes that drivers need to be extra diligent in maintaining good records leading up to the Roadcheck period, as logbook reviews will cover the day of inspection and the prior seven days. 'Inspectors look at hours of service for that whole time, and they won't miss anything,' Barlar said. 'Officials will take enforcement action for any errors in the entire prior week, and any violation that happens outside of roadcheck dates will still affect CSA scores,' he said. Starting on (or ideally before) Tuesday, May 6, motor carriers need to enhance oversight in reviewing drivers' hours of service, including events such as breaks, misuse of personal conveyance and unlogged hours. Drivers will have to certify the previous day's logs and properly log trailer numbers and bill-of-lading numbers prior to starting any trip. These practices should be standard, of course, but are especially vital during the inspection period. According to Barlar, it's likely that inspectors will pay particular attention to long-haul truck drivers rather than local commercial drivers, so any OTR carrier will need to maintain absolute compliance during the relevant window. Barlar suggests reviewing a copy of the required ELD malfunction instruction sheet, ELD transfer instruction sheet, eight blank logbook pages and your ELD manual to ensure they are all within your permit book for ease of access and familiarization. 'If you've ever been stopped by law enforcement, you know that you can get nervous in the moment and forget where things are,' Barlar said. 'If you've got experience with your ELD manual and with malfunctions and transfers before your inspection, you won't have to think about it.' Every violation counts toward driver scores, while more serious violations are worth five to seven points with an additional two points if the violation is listed as 'Out-of-Service' by law enforcement. Don't risk noncompliance during this year's Roadcheck. With increased scrutiny during this period, ensuring your fleet is fully compliant is more crucial than ever. Out-of-service violations can ground your vehicles and impact your bottom line. That's where Reliance Partners comes in. As experts in commercial transportation insurance, Reliance Partners understands the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry. Its team of knowledgeable account managers can help you navigate the complexities of logistics insurance, ensuring you're protected and compliant. From comprehensive truck insurance to specialized programs for cross-border operations, Reliance offers tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. API-driven coverage on demand allows for customization that keeps pace with your dynamic business environment. Don't let the International Roadcheck catch you off guard. Partner with Reliance Partners to ensure your insurance coverage is as robust and reliable as your fleet. Visit today to learn how Reliance Partners can support your business's success with top-tier insurance servicing that matches your unique requirements. Remember, preparation is key. Use this Roadcheck as an opportunity to reinforce your commitment to safety and compliance. With the right insurance partner by your side, you can face inspections with confidence and keep your business moving forward. Reach out to Mark Barlar directly at with any questions or concerns. Click here to learn more about Reliance Partners. The post Is your fleet ready for CVSA's 2025 International Roadcheck? appeared first on FreightWaves.
