Get ready! The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance just announced that International Roadcheck 2022 is scheduled for May 17th-19th. Every year has its own special focus — this year being wheel ends. Here’s what you need to know and how to prepare for a roadcheck.
What is International Roadcheck?
International Roadcheck is a commercial motor vehicle inspection and enforcement initiative.
During this three-day period, law enforcement officers in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. will conduct North American Standard Level I Inspections on commercial motor vehicles and drivers. Inspections will likely take place at weigh and inspection stations, on roving patrols, and at temporary inspection sites. The purpose of these roadchecks is to remind carriers and drivers of proper vehicle maintenance and driver safety.
Inspection process
The majority of the roadchecks use the North American Standard Level I Inspection. This inspection does a thorough sweep of the entire vehicle (and the driver) in a 37-step process. During this inspection, not only will the truck be inspected but also the driver’s documents (Medical Examination Certificate, Skills Performance Evaluation, CDL, Periodic Inspections Certificates, and Supporting Documents) will be checked as well.
Vehicles that pass the inspection will be given a CVSA decal. In most cases, a truck with a valid decal will not be re-inspected within the three months following the inspection.
Drivers will tell you that the best way to prepare for these inspections is to have the proper documentation, know how to use your ELD, and do your pre and post trip inspections.
Wheel Ends Focus
Let’s talk a little bit about how to take care of your wheel ends as it is this year’s inspection focus. The wheel ends of your truck support the very heavy load that you haul. They also maintain stability and control and are important for braking. According to past inspections, about one-fourth of the out-of-service violations are related to the wheel ends. Data shows that it is regularly a problem and is a top 10 vehicle violation.
The inspection of wheel ends will likely involve the following as listed by CDLLife:
- Check for cracks or unseated locking rings, studs, or clamps.
- Check for bent, cracked, or broken rims on the inside and outside wheel rims.
- Check for loose, broken, missing, or damaged wheel fasteners and elongated stud holes.
- Check spoke wheels for cracks across spokes and in the web area or slippage in the clamp areas.
- Check the hub for lubricant leaks, missing caps, or plugs.
- Check the inner wheel seal for leaks.
- Check the tire and valve stem for leaks.
- Check for proper inflation, cuts, and bulges on all tires, including the inside tire on a dual set.
- Check for regrooved tires on the steering axle.
- Check tread wear and measure major tread groove depth.
- Inspect the sidewall for improper repairs, such as tire plugs.
- Check for exposed fabric or cord.
- Check for tire contact with any part of the vehicle.
- Check for markings on the tire that would exclude its use on a steering axle.
- Check for debris between the tires.
- Check for tires touching one another or any part of the vehicle.
Closing Thoughts
The International Roadcheck is coming up soon, and it’s important that you know what to expect. Truck drivers should take this opportunity to get their trucks properly maintained so they can pass inspection with flying colors. If you have questions or concerns regarding inspections, please don’t hesitate to ask dispatch or the truck shop. We want to ensure that all truck drivers are prepared for the upcoming roadcheck on May 17th-19th. All in all, this will help keep our roads safe!
To learn more about Liquid Trucking, please call 844-GO-TANKS!