On Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck, commonly known as DOT Week or DOT Blitz, will commence across North American highways. As the truckload market tightens, it’s crucial to anticipate the impact of this annual event, which often leads to spot rate fluctuations.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during the 2024 inspection blitz and actionable steps shippers can take to prepare.

Overview of DOT Week:

The CVSA International Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles globally. Over a 72-hour period, enforcement officials in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will conduct approximately 15 vehicle inspections per minute. These inspections cover various aspects, including ELD compliance, tire conditions, brakes, exhaust systems, suspensions, and lights.

When: Tuesday, May 14th to Thursday, May 16th
Where: Highways in the United States, Canada, & Mexico
Inspection Focus: Tractor protection systems, alcohol, and controlled substance possession

Impact on Truckload Capacity:

During DOT Week, some drivers opt to take a few days off rather than facing roadside checks, leading to a temporary decrease in available capacity. Inspections may result in fines, safety rating downgrades, or vehicles being placed out of service until issues are resolved. Despite the majority of trucks having no issues, the heightened scrutiny prompts some drivers to avoid the risk altogether.

In 2023, over 59,000 inspections were conducted. Eighty-one percent of the commercial motor vehicles and 94.5% of the commercial motor vehicle drivers inspected did not have any out-of-service violations. Learn more about past roadcheck results.