CVSA Roadcheck 2020 Update
CVSA Roadcheck 2020 Update!
Are you ready? You, your drivers, and equipment will likely be subject to a roadside inspection in the very near future. Roadcheck 2020 is coming!
WHAT IS THE CVSA ROADCHECK?
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is essentially a coalition from all levels of government (even internationally) that aims to make roadways safer. The Roadcheck is an annual 72-hour project, which involves inspectors across the US, Canada, and Mexico conducting commercial motor vehicle and driver inspections, focusing on a specific area of compliance. The annual event, usually held in June of each year, was delayed this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and has been rescheduled for Sept. 9-11.
During the roadcheck, certified inspectors examine commercial motor vehicles at various fixed and roving locations for compliance with federal regulations and utilize the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria to identify critical inspection item violations. Each year, the International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a category of violations. This year’s focus is on the driver requirements component of a roadside inspection (known by most drivers as a Pre-trip or Post-trip inspection). The time to prepare is NOW!
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Certified inspectors will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure which includes two main inspection categories:
1). Driver operating requirements, and
2). Vehicle mechanical fitness.
Depending upon the cargo in transit, hazardous materials/dangerous goods may also be part of a Level I Inspection.
For Drivers
During the driver portion of the inspection, the inspector will collect and verify the driver’s documents, identify the motor carrier, examine the driver’s license, check record of duty status (Driver logs and/or ELD records), and review periodic inspection report(s) (DOT Annual Vehicle Inspection). If needed, the inspector may ask for the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT Med Card), Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate (if applicable) and the driver’s daily vehicle inspection report (Pre-trip and/or Post-trip). The inspectors will also be looking for seat belt use, fatigue, illness, and possible impairment from alcohol or substance abuse. If the driver has violations in any of these areas, they may be placed out of service.
For Vehicles
The vehicle portion of an inspection includes checking items such as: brake systems, cargo securement, coupling devices, driveline/driveshaft components, exhaust systems, frames, fuel systems, lighting devices, steering mechanisms, suspensions, tires, wheels, rims and hubs, and windshield wipers. The inspections apply to all types of trailers as well, so be prepared by conducting a proper and thorough Pre-trip inspection on the safety components such as : conspicuity tape, brake systems, suspensions, load securement, coupling devices, air lines, etc.
If operating a passenger carrying vehicle, the officer will inspect the emergency exits, electrical cables and systems in engine and battery compartments, and temporary and aisle seating.
If an inspector identifies critical inspection item violations that meet the Out-of-Service Criteria during a vehicle inspection, the inspector will place the vehicle out of service, which means that vehicle will be restricted from traveling until those violations are corrected.
WHAT TO DO TO SUCCEED
Here are a few tips to help ensure your drivers pass the 2020 Roadcheck successfully:
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Begin now to review each drivers’ credentials,
- Are they valid or expired?
- Will they be expiring in the next few months?
- Does the driver have the proper endorsements for the vehicle he/she is operating?
- Is the driver operating within any restrictions?
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Run a new MVR to get an up-to date picture of their driving record and current status,
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Conduct a Limited Query on each of the drivers through the FMCSA Clearinghouse to ensure no negative reports have been entered, (For more Clearinghouse information click here)
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Run a diagnostics report on your ELD, then repair or replace those items as needed,
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Conduct a safety meeting with all of your drivers and reinforce the need for a proper and thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspection,
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Inspect what you expect – Accompany the driver during a pre-trip and post trip inspection to provide guidance and support,
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Keep up rather than catch up – Make sure the Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR’s) are being submitted to the mechanics on a daily basis.
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Check the little things – Inspect each vehicle to ensure all required documents are in place, as well as spare fuses, safety triangles, and the fire extinguishers are in good working order and secured.
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Wash the trucks! A nice clean truck displays pride in your ride!
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Review the Hours of Service Rules applicable to your operation and State (if Intrastate) (30-minute rest break, and the 10, 11, 14, 24/34, and 70 hour rules,
TIPS FOR THOSE USING THE “SHORT HAUL EXCEPTION”
→ Make sure the drivers know what to tell the officer when asked for their HOS records. When the officer asks for the drivers logs, the driver is allowed to say something like “I am using the short haul exception – we keep our records at the office”. Then be prepared for the officer to ask a series of questions, “where did you start today”, “what time did you get off of work yesterday?”, “where are you going today?”, etc. If the answers don’t line up, the officer may request a copy of the time records for the past 8 days from the office. He will then review those for accuracy. If there are HOS violations, he can place the driver Out of Service for at least 10 hours.
→ Ensure the dispatcher has a DOT compliant time record for those drivers, as the officer may call and ask for that record before allowing the driver to leave the inspection site.
The requirements for the motor carrier to use the short haul exception are:
- the driver has 10 hours off-duty before beginning a new driving period
- the driver must be released from all duties within 12 hours
- the driver must begin and end the day at the same location
The time record must have the following content:
- Driver name
- Date
- Time in
- Time out
- Total hours for 7 previous days
The Motor Carrier is required to keep these records for 6 months (as with other HOS records).
FINAL THOUGHTS
Though the CVSA Roadcheck may highlight areas of compliance that need work, their goal should be the goal of anyone on the road, everyone gets home. Compliance isn’t a one-time event or safety meeting, it should be the way things are. As a motor carrier, dispatcher, or driver, you have the tools and power to make safety happen. Are you ready?
If you have questions or concerns about this or other FMCSA related issues, please connect with us. We love to help and share knowledge!
email–office@crowncompliance.com
phone-435-828-4574
www.crowncompliance.com
