CVSA Doesn’t Bother Smart Truckers

The annual CVSA Roadcheck is early this year – May 17-19, 2022.  Are you taking the week off?

Shippers Remember

A quick conversation recently showed me that one of the largest companies in northeastern USA is aware of truckers who take this week off.  “We remember – and we don’t hire them again.”

I doubt that they’re the only ones.  The number of available truckers this week drops significantly – and the company’s have to be wondering why a trucker doesn’t want their equipment inspected.

• Is the trucker hiding something?
• Is the equipment in such bad shape that the trucker doesn’t think they’ll pass the inspection?
• What if the truck breaks down with our load on it?

These are not the things you want your customers to think about you.

Losing Time or Losing a Customer

Nobody likes the Roadcheck.  it’s a pain in the neck.  It’s a drag waiting for the inspection and frankly, those inspectors aren’t always so pleasant by the time they get to your rig.  It’s a hot, endless three days’ work and they get tired and cranky… and maybe you’re thinking they’re taking it out on you.

Is there a way to make the Roadcheck hassle go away?  Not entirely.

1.  It’s important that you inform your shippers about the Roadcheck and how it may affect your delivery times.  Good communication goes a long way when situations on the road get out of control.
2. Be prepared with your ELD.  Make sure it’s up to date and accurate.  If you don’t know how to use your ELD program, take a few minutes to practice.  Or be sure you know how to secure your phone or tablet if you’re willing to share your data on your technology.  Either way, get ready.
3. Have confidence in your rig and its condition.  Do you rigorously check your equipment every week?  Are your maintenance records clear and your scheduled work done on time?  Are you tracking the time or mileage of the truck’s maintenance schedule?

In 2022, the focus is on wheel ends.  CDLLife.com has a big list of what they’re looking for.

• 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 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.

The Roadcheck stop is going to eat into your HOS.  How long it’s going to take is anyone’s guess – but you can make your stop as quick as possible by being prepared.  Your customer deserves the best service you can give.  If you’re at home, hiding from the inspection, the price may be higher than this week’s load.  It may impact future loads from this customer.

It’s smart to drive this week.  You will keep your good reputation with your regular customers.  And there will be a lot of loads out there looking for a trucker.  The smartest trucker is going to have their pick of the loads and make a lot of money this week.

Roadcheck Your Truck Yourself with Maintenance Software

I say it every year:  smart truckers aren’t worried about the Roadcheck.  They’ve got their rig maintenance managed with a software package that tracks miles and time.

There are plenty of truck maintenance inspection forms out there on the internet.  But the real strength is to have confidence that the work is done on time and done by technicians that you trust.

If you’re not using a trucking management solution – just a software program or just a calendar – you’re doing three times the work.

1. Checking the mileage
2. Checking the dates
3. Checking the records

A trucking management solution like TruckingOffice handles all of those.  When you enter your invoice data and your mileage, our maintenance module tracks dates and miles for you.  You won’t have to enter the data into a separate program another time.  Records for every maintenance work done are kept and easily accessible.  You’ll know when you need that oil change in time to make an appointment with your preferred mechanic and not have to risk getting a trainee on the road who doesn’t know a Volvo from an International.

Truckers who use our maintenance module aren’t worried about the Roadcheck.  They’re ready for it.

Are you?

Get started now – try out TruckingOffice TMS for free and discover what relaxation feels like with the CVSA Roadcheck.