WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has launched its annual International Roadcheck campaign, running from May 12 through May 14, which places thousands of heavy vehicles under intensified scrutiny at weigh stations and roadside checkpoints across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This 72-hour operation marks a significant escalation in enforcement, with inspectors specifically targeting electronic logging device (ELD) compliance and cargo securement violations. For the professional trucking industry, this event represents one of the most aggressive periods of regulatory oversight each year, requiring immediate preparation from all operators.

The core of the inspection process remains the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a rigorous 37-step procedure that evaluates both driver compliance and vehicle mechanical condition. During the driver portion, enforcement officers will verify commercial license status, medical certification, and seat belt usage while checking the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for any disqualifying events. Inspectors also conduct skill performance evaluations when necessary and screen for signs of alcohol or drug impairment. The vehicle examination covers critical safety systems, including brakes, tires, steering, suspension, and lighting equipment, ensuring that every component meets federal safety standards.

This year’s campaign places a distinct emphasis on the integrity of electronic logging devices. The CVSA has identified ELD tampering, falsification, and manipulation as the primary driver focus area. Data from the previous year indicates that falsification of the record of duty status was the second most-cited driver violation, resulting in 58,382 citations. Furthermore, five of the top ten driver violations were directly tied to hours-of-service or ELD-related issues. Consequently, inspectors are instructed to spend additional time reviewing logs and supporting documentation to detect false entries, edited data, or any signs that the recorded duty status has been altered. This level of detailed review requires drivers to ensure their ELDs are functioning correctly and that all entries are accurate and unedited.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL-A drivers and owner-operators, the heightened focus on ELD manipulation means that any discrepancy in log entries could lead to immediate out-of-service orders. Inspectors are specifically looking for patterns that suggest data manipulation, such as inconsistent gaps in driving time or edited entries that do not match GPS data. Cargo securement is the vehicle emphasis category, with 18,108 violations issued in 2025 for cargo not properly secured against leaking, spilling, or falling. An additional 16,054 violations involved unsecured dunnage or vehicle components. Drivers must verify that tie-downs are tight, securement devices are functional, and no cargo is at risk of shifting during transit. Failure to meet these standards can result in severe penalties and vehicle downtime, impacting revenue and schedule reliability.

Industry Reaction

The trucking industry has long recognized the importance of compliance during these high-visibility inspection periods. Carriers and individual operators are being urged to review their internal compliance procedures and educate drivers on the specific risks associated with ELD manipulation. The surge in violations related to hours-of-service underscores the need for better training and technology integration to ensure accurate record-keeping. By addressing these issues proactively, trucking companies can reduce the likelihood of out-of-service orders and maintain their reputation for safety and regulatory adherence.

Key Points

• International Roadcheck runs from May 12 to 14, with intensified inspections across North America.
• ELD manipulation is the primary driver focus, with 58,382 falsification citations issued last year.
• Cargo securement is the vehicle emphasis, with over 18,000 violations for improperly secured freight.
• Level I inspections involve a 37-step process covering both driver compliance and vehicle condition.

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