May brings more daylight, changing freight patterns, and one of the most visible safety events on the trucking calendar. This year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 12–14, 2026. During this 72-hour enforcement, inspectors across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will focus on driver compliance, vehicle condition, and cargo regulations. Many inspections will follow the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step process covering both driver requirements and mechanical fitness.
For fleets and owner-operators, International Roadcheck is a strong reminder that preparation pays off. A clean inspection can help keep freight moving, while an out-of-service violation can lead to downtime, disrupt schedules, and add avoidable stress to an already demanding season. Papé Kenworth supports drivers with the parts, service, and expertise needed to stay prepared, backed by 30 locations across the West.
This year, inspectors are placing special emphasis on two areas: electronic logging device (ELD) compliance, including tampering, falsification, or manipulation on the driver side, and cargo securement on the vehicle side.
According to CVSA, falsification of record of duty status was the second most-cited driver violation last year with 58,382 violations. Five of the top ten driver violations were tied to hours of service or ELD-related issues.
On the vehicle side, cargo securement remains a major concern. In 2025, there were 18,108 violations for cargo that was not secured against leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling, along with 16,054 violations related to unsecured vehicle components or dunnage.
A solid International Roadcheck prep plan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. A few priority areas to review before May 12 include:
- Verify that ELD records are accurate, complete, and understood by the driver.
- Confirm CDL, medical certificate, and other required driver documents are current.
- Inspect brakes, tires, lights, wipers, steering, suspension, and coupling components.
- Check cargo securement devices, tie-downs, straps, chains, and load balance.
- Address small maintenance issues before they become inspection-day problems.
Pre-trip inspections play a critical role, as does follow-through in the shop. A driver may be fully compliant on paperwork and hours-of-service requirements but still lose time if a worn component, lighting issue, or securement problem puts the truck out of service.
That’s why Roadcheck season is a good time to schedule service, replace aging parts, and evaluate recurring issues across the fleet. Papé Kenworth supports these efforts with service in the shop or in the field, factory-trained technicians, and parts availability designed to help reduce downtime.
It’s also worth remembering that a successful Level I or V inspection can result in a CVSA decal valid for up to three months, signaling that the vehicle recently passed inspection without out-of-service violations. That kind of outcome starts long before a truck reaches a weigh station. It starts with consistent maintenance, careful documentation, and a team that treats safety as part of every day operations.
International Roadcheck may only last 72 hours, but the benefits of preparing for it can last far longer. If your trucks need inspection support, replacement parts, or service before International Roadcheck begins, Papé Kenworth is here to help keep your operation moving.
