Safety Information and Updates

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) announced that this year’s Road Check would take place from May 12-14. Road Check an annual blitz of inspections conducted to make sure that commercial vehicles are properly following mandated safety standards and legal requirements. Inspectors along weigh stations and pop-up sites conduct a 37 point inspection to assess both driver compliance with regulations, and mechanical fitness of the vehicle being inspected.

Every year there is generally a specific area of the rules being focused on, and this year that is Electronic Logs (ELDs), specifically, falsification of ELDs, and Cargo Securement.

So what does that mean?

ELDs:

Inspections will focus on looking at ELD data to flag hours of service issues, falsification of duty status, and use of non-compliant ELD devices. Electronic logs were rolled out to make HOS and driver logs more universal and verifiable, so violations would be clearer and it could be ensured that drivers were operating safely within hours and service constraints. During inspections, officers will look for inconsistencies in logs versus paperwork, non logged in drivers, and driving time logged as out of service time, etc. Last year, according to CVSA almost 60,000 violations were issued for falsification of duty status, so this is a major issue across the trucking industry.

Cargo Securement:

The second major focus of the Road Check blitz this year will be proper cargo securement. Improperly secured cargo is obviously a major safety risk to both the driver, and other drivers on the road. Inspections will ensure that any cargo is secured such that it prevents any spilling, blowing, or shifting in transit according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety standards – this means checking tie downs and anchor points, but also accessory items are secured – like spare tires and other equipment.

To get ahead of Road Check, and just to make sure your drivers are properly informed, the CVSA publishes the following “cheat sheets” that are very much worth reviewing:

Driver Inspection Cheat Sheet

Vehicle Inspection Cheat Sheet

Fueling a boat is a far more involved process than simply filling up a car. While refueling vehicles at gas stations has become routine, refueling vessels comes with added responsibilities and strict regulations. Marine fueling demands careful attention to prevent spills, especially when fueling near or on water.

For vessels with a total capacity of 250 barrels (10,500 gallons) or more, the process is regulated by the Coast Guard. Both the vessel and delivery vehicle must have a designated "Person in Charge" (PIC), who is trained annually and must have specific experience in fuel deliveries.

Before any fuel transfer, an "Advanced Notice of Transfer" must be submitted to the Coast Guard at least four hours in advance, detailing the transfer’s time, location, and any past spill history. PICs are responsible for communicating with each other, completing checklists, and ensuring both the vessel and delivery vehicle are safe and ready before fueling can begin.

Even vessels with less than 10,500 gallons of fuel capacity must still adhere to strict safety guidelines. No hose connections can be made over water, and any hot work, sparks, or flames must be eliminated during fueling. Safety must always come first—fueling vessels is a highly regulated operation, and vigilance is key to ensuring both safety and environmental protection.

The 2025 CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) Annual Road Check took place the week of May 13th. This nationwide inspection blitz is a key event in the trucking industry, aiming to improve road safety and ensure commercial vehicles are in top working condition. With thousands of inspections conducted across North America, it’s a critical time for truck drivers and fleet operators to ensure compliance and safety.

Each year, the CVSA Road Check focuses on specific safety aspects, and for 2025, the primary inspection focus was be on driver qualifications. Inspectors look closely at drivers’ hours-of-service compliance, proper licensing, and any signs of fatigue or impairment. Drivers should make sure their records of duty status (RODS) are up-to-date and accurate, and that they’re in full compliance with federal regulations.

During the event, enforcement officers conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, which is the most comprehensive roadside inspection. This includes a detailed review of both the driver and the vehicle, assessing everything from brake performance to tire conditions. While vehicle violations are commonly targeted, driver-related issues like logbook discrepancies or improper use of electronic logging devices (ELDs) can lead to significant penalties.

The CVSA Road Check also serves as a reminder for fleet owners to perform routine maintenance on their vehicles. Pre-checking brakes, lights, tires, and securing loads will reduce the risk of out-of-service violations. Additionally, drivers should ensure their medical certifications and other required documents are in order.

This annual event is an opportunity to showcase the trucking industry’s commitment to safety and professionalism. By taking proactive steps now, drivers and fleet operators can ensure a smooth and successful 2025 CVSA Annual Road Check!