AAM BLOG
📅 Mark the Date: May 13–15, 2025
🚛 Focus Areas: Tire Maintenance & Hours-of-Service Compliance
✍️ Author: AAM NETWORK INC
The 2025 International Roadcheck is right around the corner. This high-visibility, 72-hour enforcement blitz, organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), will take place from May 13 to May 15, with inspections happening across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
At AAM NETWORK INC, we believe preparation is key—not just to avoid violations, but to promote safety, protect our drivers, and keep freight moving without delays. Here’s what you need to know and how you can prepare to pass inspections with confidence.
What Is the CVSA International Roadcheck?
The International Roadcheck is an annual inspection campaign conducted by CVSA-certified officers. During the 72-hour window, inspectors perform tens of thousands of checks at weigh stations, roadside checkpoints, and on mobile patrol. The focus for 2025 is twofold:
- Tire safety
- Hours-of-Service (HOS) and false log violations
Why This Matters to Every Carrier
Last year, over 47,000 inspections led to nearly 10,000 vehicles and drivers being placed out of service (OOS) for safety violations.
Among the top reasons:
- Defective brakes (25%)
- Tire violations (20.8%)
- Lighting issues (11.6%)
- Cargo securement (9.6%)
- HOS violations (32% of all driver issues)
This year, tires and logs are under the microscope. Don’t wait—prepare your trucks and train your drivers today.
🔧 Tire Maintenance: What Inspectors Are Looking For
Tires are the second most common reason vehicles are placed out of service. And yet, with proper maintenance, nearly all tire violations are preventable.
Inspectors will check for:
- Low tread depth
- Air leaks or flat tires
- Sidewall bulges or separation
- Improper repairs (like plugs in the sidewall)
- Items stuck between dual tires
- Exposed ply or belt materials
➡️ Reminder: Just one tire violation can result in the entire vehicle being placed OOS on the spot. Proactive tire checks save time, money, and safety risks.
⏱ Hours-of-Service: Are Your Logs Clean?
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) make tracking easier, but driver violations still topped the charts last year.
Inspectors will be checking for:
- Tampered or disconnected ELDs
- Missing co-drivers (“ghost drivers”)
- Abuse of personal conveyance
- Falsified or incomplete logs
- Off-duty time recorded while actually working
Drivers should ensure they:
- Are logged in and tracking accurately
- Have all ELD documentation (user guide, instructions, blank logs)
- Know how to operate their devices and transmit logs
🧾 Required Driver Paperwork
Make sure every driver is equipped with:
- Valid CDL
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate
- Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate (if applicable)
- Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)
- Periodic Inspection Report
- Shipping Papers
Missing or outdated documentation = automatic violation.
🔍 What to Expect During a Level I Inspection
Most inspections during Roadcheck are Level I, the most thorough type. These 37-step inspections include:
- Driver credentials
- RODS logs
- Brake systems
- Tires, suspension, lights
- Load securement
- Windshield wipers, fuel systems, seat belts, and more
Vehicles that pass may receive a CVSA decal valid for three months—helping avoid re-inspections during that time.
AAM NETWORK INC: How We’re Preparing
At AAM NETWORK INC, we are taking these steps to keep our fleet inspection-ready:
✅ Ensuring all trucks are current on maintenance
✅ Verifying tire health and brake system condition
✅ Conducting random document spot-checks
✅ Coaching drivers on proper ELD usage and pre-trip inspections
✅ Reviewing RODS logs for errors or manipulation
✅ Confirming all paperwork is valid and on board
✅ Communicating clearly and often with drivers
Final Thoughts: Roadcheck Is a Responsibility, Not Just a Test
The annual CVSA Roadcheck isn’t just about compliance—it’s about accountability, safety, and protecting everyone on the road. With the right preparation, it’s also a great opportunity to show pride in your fleet and confidence in your operation.
Let’s make Roadcheck 2025 a clean sweep for AAM NETWORK INC and every driver representing us on the road.
Stay safe, stay sharp, and let’s roll through this together. 💪