CVSA shares cheat sheet to help truckers prep for Roadcheck’s focus on ELD tampering and cargo securement

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) shared a “cheat sheet” flier to help truck drivers and motor carriers prepare for this year’s inspection and enforcement campaign.

The CVSA’s International Roadcheck 2026 campaign will take place throughout North America from May 12 to 14.

Each year, the CVSA selects two areas of special emphasis for Roadcheck inspectors, a driver violation category and a vehicle violation category. 

This year, Roadcheck’s driver violation category will be ELD tampering/falsification. The vehicle violation category will be cargo securement.

See below for a flier from CVSA providing information and tips on ELD tampering and cargo securement to help drivers prepare for Roadcheck.

ELD Tampering/Falsification

Inaccurate ELD entries may result from a lack of understanding of the federal regulations and exemptions. However, in some cases, inaccurate entries are used to conceal hours-of-service violations, and some records are manipulated to conceal driving time with no indication the record was edited as required by federal regulations. Inspectors will be on the lookout for false or manipulated entries while reviewing a driver’s record of duty status, with a focus on ELD tampering.

Cargo Securement

Improper or inadequate load securement poses a serious risk by allowing unsecured materials to become dislodged or fall from the vehicle, resulting in roadway hazards and/or crashes. Here are some cargo securement tips:

Brace and block cargo properly. Ensure your load (including debris, such as loose gravel, sand, etc.) is contained, immobilized and secured so it cannot:

• Leak, spill, blow off or fall from the vehicle
• Become dislodged from the vehicle
• Shift to such an extent that it affects the vehicle’s balance, stability or maneuverability

Cargo on flatbed trailers should be positioned against a front-end structure or use additional tie-downs to prevent forward movement.

Properly secure all dunnage and equipment, such as tarps, blocks, chains or other tie-downs, spare tires, brooms, forklifts, pallet jacks, winches, ratchets, etc.

Inspect tie-downs for wear and damage. CVSA’s North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria includes tie- down defect tables for chain, wire rope, cordage, synthetic webbing, steel strapping, fittings or attachments, and anchor points.

Know the regulations:

• U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration cargo securement rules: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations
• U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration hazardous load securement rules: www.ecfr.gov
• Canada’s National Safety Code cargo securement standards: www.ccmta.ca/en/national-safety-code
• Mexico’s Normas Oficiales Mexicanas cargo securement standards: www.dof.gob.mx or www.phmsa.dot.gov/international-program/mexican-standards-and-guidance

Inspectors are available to help drivers and motor carriers ensure they meet all cargo securement requirements and are informed on hours-of-service regulations in their jurisdictions.