The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 14-16. International Roadcheck is a three-day, high-visibility initiative across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, focusing on commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement.

CVSA-certified law enforcement personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites, and mobile patrols to ensure compliance with federal, state, provincial, or territorial regulations. Data collected during the 72-hour period will be analyzed and results released this summer.

International Roadcheck 2021

This year, International Roadcheck will spotlight two areas: tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substance possession. Controlled substance and alcohol use remains a significant concern, with an increasing number of prohibited drivers listed in the U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH), posing a threat to road safety.

Focusing on tractor protection systems aims to raise awareness among drivers, motor carriers, technicians, and enforcement personnel regarding critical vehicle components such as the tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve, and anti-bleed back valve. These components, often overlooked during inspections, are crucial for safety. To aid in proactive assessment and maintenance, CVSA has provided an inspection bulletin outlining the steps for proper checks, available in French and Spanish.

During International Roadcheck, inspectors will conduct routine North American Standard Level I Inspections, a comprehensive 37-step procedure examining vehicle components and driver documentation.

For more information on Roadcheck 2024, visit: [https://www.cvsa.org/news/2024-international-roadcheck/]

How to Properly Mark a Commercial Motor Vehicle

A common question I receive from customers is, "What size do the letters and numbers need to be on the placard or marking on the side of my commercial vehicle?" Ironically, there is NO size designation by measurement. Keep reading to determine how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) addresses the marking of a vehicle.

Every self-propelled CMV, as defined in CFR 390.5, greater than 10,000 lbs MGVWR in interstate commerce must be marked and display the following information:

  1. The legal name or a single trade name of the motor carrier operating the self-propelled CMV, as listed on the motor carrier identification report (Form MCS-150) and submitted in accordance with CFR 390.19.
  2. The motor carrier identification number issued by the FMCSA, preceded by the letters “USDOT”.
  3. The City and State of the motor carrier are no longer required to be displayed.

The marking must:

  1. Appear on both sides of the self-propelled CMV.
  2. Be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed.
  3. Be readily legible during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet (15.24 meters) while the CMV is stationary.
  4. Be kept and maintained in a manner that retains the legibility of the above requirements.

Construction and Durability

The marking may be painted on the CMV or may consist of a removable device if that device meets the identification and legibility requirements above.

Marking of Rented CMVs from Idealease

A motor carrier operating a self-propelled Idealease CMV under a rental agreement having a term not in excess of 30 calendar days meets the requirements of this section if:

  • The Idealease CMV is marked in accordance with the provisions of the marking requirements as stated above.
  • The legal name or a single trade name of the Idealease location is displayed.
  • The Idealease location identification number preceded by the letters “USDOT” is displayed.
  • The Idealease rental agreement entered into by the Idealease location and the customer renting the motor carrier conspicuously contains the following information:
    1. The name and complete physical address of the principal place of business of the Idealease customer renting the CMV.
    2. The identification number issued the Idealease customer by the FMCSA, preceded by the letters “USDOT,” if the Idealease customer has been issued such a number. In lieu of the identification number required in this paragraph, the following may be shown in the rental agreement:
      • Information which indicates whether the Idealease customer is engaged in “interstate” or “intrastate” commerce.
      • Information which indicates whether the Idealease customer is transporting hazardous materials in the Idealease rented CMV.
    3. The sentence: “That Idealease cooperates with all Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials nationwide to provide the identity of Idealease customers who operate the Idealease rental CMV”.

The rental agreement entered into by Idealease and the Idealease customer is carried on the Idealease rental CMV during the full term of the rental agreement.

February is heart health

February: Heart Protection Month

Here is a question relating to a heart condition and a commercial driver:

Question: Is the use of coumadin, an anticoagulant, an automatic disqualification for drivers operating CMVs in interstate commerce?

Answer: No. Although the Department of Transportation’s 1987 ‘‘Conference on Cardiac Disorders and Commercial Drivers’’ recommended that drivers who are taking anticoagulants not be allowed to drive, the FMCSA has not adopted a rule to that effect. The medical examiner and treating specialist may, but are not required to, accept the Conference recommendations. Therefore, the use of coumadin is not an automatic disqualification, but a factor to be considered in determining the driver’s physical qualification status.

Anticoagulation therapy is a medical treatment, which can improve the health and safety of the individual, and should not, by its use alone, preclude certification of the individual. The emphasis should be on the underlying medical condition(s) that require treatment and the general health of the individual.