No time to read the whole post. How about listen time while driving and following the podcast in spotify?
Every spring the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) throws the biggest safety party on the highway — and every year thousands of truckers wonder if they’re ready when the invitation shows up in the scale-house window. The 2025 edition of International Roadcheck happens May 13-15, a 72-hour burst when inspectors seem to be everywhere at once, examining nearly 15 trucks a minute across North America. (CVSA’s International Roadcheck Scheduled for May 13-15, International Roadcheck – CVSA – Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance)
If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry. With a bit of planning (and the checklist below) you’ll cruise through Roadcheck like it’s just another fuel stop. This post breaks down:
- What makes 2025 special
- How last year’s numbers stack up
- A step-by-step prep plan that hits every hot button—tires, HOS logs, paperwork, and more
- Pro tips for inspection day so you leave with a shiny CVSA decal instead of an out-of-service order
Why the 2025 focus matters: Tires + Truthful Logs
Each year CVSA picks themes to spotlight common risk areas. For 2025 inspectors will give extra scrutiny to tire health and false records of duty status (RODS) — a polite way of saying “cooked logbooks.” According to the official CVSA flyer, techs will be looking for low tread depth, sidewall bulges, and even “ghost drivers” hiding in an electronic logging device (ELD) to stretch legal hours. (CVSA focus flyer)
- Why tires? Blowouts remain a top vehicle out-of-service (OOS) trigger, cost a fortune to repair on the shoulder, and can shut down an inspection lane faster than a laptop crash.
- Why RODS? Hours-of-service (HOS) violations point straight at fatigue-related crashes. Inspectors will dig into ELD data, edits, and personal-conveyance abuse. A falsified log can park you just as surely as a missing brake drum.
The numbers: How tough is Roadcheck, really?
Past performance is a great reality check. Here’s how the last two years shook out:
| Year | Inspections Completed | Vehicle OOS Rate | Driver OOS Rate | #1 Vehicle Violation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 48,761 | 23 % | 4.8 % | Brakes |
| 2023 | 59,429 | 19 % | 5.5 % | Tires |
Source: CVSA International Roadcheck results pages (International Roadcheck Results – CVSA – Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance)
Takeaway: most trucks and drivers pass, but roughly one in five vehicles still get sidelined. Tires and brakes swap the OOS crown year after year, while driver paperwork (mostly HOS issues) keeps inspectors busy.
The Owner-Operator’s Roadcheck Checklist
Below is a timeline you can copy-paste to your notes app or stick on the freezer door. We’ve grouped tasks by how far out you are from Blitz Week so nothing slips through.
30 Days Out — Deep-dive maintenance
- Full DOT-style inspection
- Crawl under the truck or pay a shop to run a Level Istyle check.
- Measure tread depth: ≥ 4/32″ on steers, ≥ 2/32″ everywhere else. Replace questionable rubber now.
- Scope brake lining thickness, drum cracks, air-leak test. Brakes are still the top OOS violation.
- Annual paperwork audit
- Verify CDL and medical card expiration dates.
- Confirm your annual vehicle inspection sticker is valid past May 15.
14 Days Out — Tires, lights & load securement
- Torque and pressure tour: Set all cold pressures to manufacturer spec. Re-torque wheel nuts after 100 miles if you recently rotated or replaced tires.
- Lighting lap: Switch on every bulb—including trailer ABS lamp—and walk around. Keep a pack of spare 12-volt bulbs and mini-fuses in the glove box.
- Securement refresh: Whether you pull a van or flatbed, replace frayed straps, inspect chain hooks, and tighten winches. Remember FMCSA’s “one tie-down per 10 ft of cargo” minimum. (FMCSA securement regs)
7 Days Out — HOS and cab docs
- ELD spring-clean:
- Clear unassigned drive time.
- Check device time-sync and make sure firmware updates didn’t kick it offline.
- Practice transferring logs via web services or email so you’re not fumbling roadside. (FMCSA HOS overview) (Summary of Hours of Service Regulations | FMCSA)
- Permit-book polish: Put these on top:
- Registration (cab card)
- Proof of insurance
- IFTA license & decals
- UCR receipt
- Emergency response guide (if you ever touch hazmat)
48 Hours Out — Cab & comfort
- Detail the dash: A clean cab screams “I care about my equipment.” Vacuum, wipe windows, and secure loose junk.
- Emergency gear check: Fire extinguisher charged and mounted? Three reflective triangles present?
Night Before
- Final walk-around with all lights on.
- Inflate tires to correct PSI—they cool overnight, so morning readings can dip.
- Get real sleep. Drowsy drivers invite deeper inspections and HOS grilling.
Game day: What to expect at the scale
- Smooth approach: Slow, seat belt on, visor up so the officer can see your eyes.
- Document hand-off: Keep your paper folder within arm’s reach. Nothing says “rookie” like fishing under the bunk for your med card.
- Follow commands exactly: Flip blinkers when asked, pump brakes for leak test, pop the hood if instructed.
- Stay cool, stay factual: If a violation pops up, ask politely to see it. Arguing roadside never changes the outcome; data-Qs exist for disputes.
- On-the-spot fixes: Have spare bulbs, glad-hand seals, and a tire plug kit. Many inspectors will note “defect corrected” if you remedy it before they close the report.
Implications beyond the scale: Capacity, rates & reputation
Blitz Week usually sidelines thousands of units, tightening spot-market capacity for a few days. If you’re confident in your prep, running during Roadcheck can mean better loads and fewer trucks competing on the boards. More importantly, a clean inspection boosts your CSA scores, keeps insurance underwriters happy, and can lead to preferred-carrier status with certain brokers.
Conversely, an OOS order hurts your wallet twice: downtime today plus higher insurance or broker scrutiny tomorrow. For sole-props operating under their own authority, a pattern of violations can even trigger a focused FMCSA audit.
Closing thoughts
International Roadcheck isn’t a pop quiz — CVSA announces the date months in advance so every carrier can study. Stick to the checklist, pay extra attention to tires and HOS records this year, and treat every pre-trip like a mini inspection. Come May 13 you’ll roll into Blitz Week relaxed, paperwork ready, and tread looking fresh.
Safe travels out there—and here’s hoping the only sticker you pick up this spring is the one that shines green on your windshield.
