The year’s biggest CMV blitz is coming soon — Here’s a ‘cheat sheet’ on CVSA Level I inspections
With the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck inspection effort coming quickly, the time has come for truckers to begin preparation for the 72 hour blitz.
CVSA International Roadcheck 2023 will take place May 16 — 18 in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The area of emphasis for inspectors during this year’s Roadcheck campaign will be anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cargo securement.
CMV inspections will take place at weigh/inspection stations, designated inspection areas, and along roadways. Inspectors will focus on both driver and vehicle safety compliance.
In the “cheat sheet” below, the CVSA details the vehicle components an inspector will check when conducting a Level I Inspection.
CVSA Roadcheck Cheat Sheet
BRAKES Check for missing, non-functioning, loose, contaminated or cracked parts on the brake system. Check for S-cam flip over. Be alert for audible air leaks around brake components and lines. Check that slack adjusters are the same length (from center of S-cam to center of clevis pin) and the air chambers on each axle are the same size. Ensure the air system maintains air pressure between 90-100 psi (620-690 kPa). Inspect for non-manufactured holes (e.g., rust holes, holes created by rubbing orfriction, etc.) and broken springs in the spring brake housing section of the parking brake. Measure pushrod travel. Inspect required brake system warning devices, such as ABS malfunction lamp(s) and low air pressure warning devices. Inspect tractor protection system, including the bleedback system on the trailer. Ensure the breakaway system is operable on the trailer.
COUPLING DEVICES Safety Devices – Full Trailers/Converter Dolly(s): Check the safety devices (chains/wire rope) for sufficient strength,missing components, improper repairs and devices that are incapable of secure attachment. On the lower fifth wheel, check for unsecured mounting to the frame or any missing or damaged parts, or any visible space between the upper and lower fifth wheel plates. Verify that the locking jaws are around the shank and not the head of the kingpin and that the release lever is seated properly and the safety latch is engaged. Check the upper fifth wheel for any damage to the weight bearing plate (and its supports), such as cracks, loose or missing bolts on the trailer. On the sliding fifth wheel, check for proper engagement of locking mechanism (teeth fully engaged on rail); also check for worn or missing parts. Ensure the position does not allow the tractor frame rails to contact the landing gear during turns. Check for damaged or missing fore and aft stops.
FUEL AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS Check your fuel tanks for the following conditions: loose mounting, leaks, or other conditions; loose or missing caps; and signs of leaking fuel below the tanks. For exhaust systems, check the following: unsecured mounting; leaks beneath the cab; exhaust systemcomponents in contact with electrical wiring or brake lines and hoses; and excessive carbon deposits around seams and clamps.
FRAME, VAN AND OPEN-TOP TRAILERS Inspect for corrosion fatigue; cracked, loose or missing crossmembers; cracks in frame; missing or defective body parts. Look at the condition of the hoses and check the suspension of air hoses on vehicles with sliding tandems. On the frame and frame assembly, check for cracks, bends, sagging, loose fasteners or any defect that may lead to the collapse of the frame; corrosion; fatigue; cracked or missing crossmembers; cracks in frame;missing or defective body parts. Inspect all axle(s). For vans and open-top trailer bodies, look at the upper rail and check roof bows and side posts for buckling, cracks or ineffective fasteners. On the lower rail, check for breaks accompanied by sagging floor, rail or cross members; or broken with loose or missing fasteners at side post adjacent to the crack.
LIGHTING Inspect all required lamps for proper color, operation, mounting and visibility.
SECUREMENT OF CARGO Make sure you are carrying a safe load. Check tail board security. Verify end gates are secured in stake pockets. Check both sides of the trailer to ensure cargo is protected fromshifting orfalling. Verify that rear doors are securely closed. Where load is visible, check for proper blocking and bracing. It may be necessary to examine inside of trailer to ensure large objects are properly secured. Check cargo securement devices for proper number, size and condition. Check tiedown anchor points for deformation and cracking.
STEERING Check the steering lash by first turning the steering wheel in one direction untilthe tires begin to pivot. Then, place amark on the steering wheel at a fixed reference point and turn the wheel in the opposite direction until the tires again start to move. Mark the steering wheel at the same fixed reference point and measure the distance between the two marks. The amount of allowable lash varies with the diameter of the steering wheel.
SUSPENSION Inspect the suspension for: indications of misaligned, shifted, cracked or missing springs; loose shackles; missing bolts; unsecured spring hangers; and cracked or loose U-bolts. Also, check any unsecured axle positioning parts and for signs of axle misalignment. On the front axle, check for cracks, welds and obvious misalignment.
TIRES, WHEELS, RIMS AND HUBS Check tires for proper inflation, cuts and bulges, regrooved tires on steering axle, tread wear and major tread groove depth. Inspect sidewalls for improper repairs, exposed fabric or cord, contact with any part of the vehicle, and tire markings excluding it from use on a steering axle. Inspect wheels and rims for cracks, unseated locking rings, and broken or missing lugs, studs or clamps. Check for rims that are cracked or bent, have loose or damaged lug nuts and elongated stud holes, have cracks across spokes or in the web area, and have evidence of slippage in the clamp areas. Check the hubs for lubricant leaks, missing caps or plugs, misalignment and positioning, and damaged, worn or missing parts.
Check out the flier below for more information on the areas of emphasis for Roadcheck 2023.
Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with nearly 15 trucks or buses inspected, on average, every minute across North America during a 72-hour period.