Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) coordinates International Roadcheck — a massive 72-hour enforcement blitz spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico. During those three days, CVSA-certified inspectors at weigh stations and pop-up inspection sites across the country conduct North American Standard Level I Inspections on commercial motor vehicles and their drivers. With nearly 15 trucks inspected every single minute across North America, there is nowhere to hide.
We have been reminding our customers about this event every year for good reason: it’s not just a three-day inconvenience — it’s a reflection of your year-round safety habits. At Verduyn Tarps, we want every truck out there crossing those scales with confidence. That starts with being prepared.
2026 Focus Areas: What Inspectors Will Be Looking At
In addition to the standard 37-step inspection, CVSA designates specific focus categories each year. For 2026, those are:
Driver Focus: ELD Tampering, Falsification or Manipulation
Inspectors will take a hard look at Electronic Logging Device records. They will be checking for false entries, improperly edited logs, and signs of ELD tampering intended to conceal hours-of-service violations. In 2025, falsification of record of duty status was the second most-cited driver violation across North America — with nearly 58,400 violations recorded. Make sure your ELD records are accurate, your edits are annotated, and your logs are ready for review.
Vehicle Focus: Cargo Securement
This year’s vehicle focus is the one that matters most to Verduyn Tarps customers. Inspectors will be scrutinizing how loads are contained and secured. In 2025, more than 18,100 violations were issued for loads not secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling — and over 16,000 violations were issued for unsecured vehicle components or dunnage.
Under FMCSA regulations, your load must be immobilized and contained so it will not shift, fall, or create a roadway hazard. If it’s not, your truck can be placed out of service immediately — no warnings.
What Gets Checked During a Level I Inspection
The North American Standard Level I Inspection is a comprehensive, two-part review:
Driver Portion — Inspectors Check:
- CDL, endorsements, and medical examiner’s certificate
- Record of duty status (ELD or paper logs)
- Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status
- Seat belt usage
- Skill performance evaluation certificate (if applicable)
Vehicle Mechanical Fitness — Inspectors Check:
- Brakes — adjustment, condition, and system integrity
- Tires — pressure, tread depth, condition
- Lighting — all required lights functional
- Steering and suspension components
- Fuel and exhaust systems
- Cargo securement — tarps, straps, chains, ratchets, binders, anchor points
Trucks that pass a Level I or Level V inspection without critical violations may receive a CVSA decal, which is valid for up to three months. It is a badge of honor for drivers who keep their rigs in order.
Your Pre-Roadcheck Inspection Checklist
Don’t wait until May 12th. Run through these items now:
Cargo Securement (2026 Vehicle Focus):
- Inspect all tarps for tears, holes, missing grommets, or frayed edges
- Test all ratchet straps and binders — replace anything worn or damaged
- Check chain hooks and load binders for stretch, wear, or missing safety latches
- Verify anchor points and D-rings are secure and undamaged
- Make sure your load is properly blocked, braced, and immobilized
- Confirm tarps fully cover the load with no loose corners or edges
ELD and Hours of Service (2026 Driver Focus):
- Audit your ELD records — look for unassigned driving time and unresolved edits
- Ensure all log edits have proper reason codes and annotations
- Confirm your CDL and medical card are current and valid through the inspection window
General Vehicle:
- Check all brake adjustments and inspect brake pads/drums/shoes
- Inspect tires for pressure and condition — don’t forget the trailer
- Walk all lights — headlights, brake lights, clearance lights, and markers
- Look for fuel, oil, or coolant leaks
40 Years of Quality Cargo Securement Equipment
Verduyn Tarps has been manufacturing premium tarping systems and cargo securement gear for 40 years. We supply flatbed, stepdeck, and end-dump operators across North America with the tarps, straps, and accessories that stand up to real-world demands — and real-world inspections.
This May, we want to help you roll into Roadcheck ready. Whether you need replacement tarps, new ratchet straps, bungee cords, or heavy-duty load binders, we’ve got you covered.
SAVE 10% on your next online order in May 2026 with code: 40YEARS at www.verduyntarps.com (One-time use code, online only. Restrictions apply.)
Order before May 12th and make sure your equipment is ready to go. Do not let a worn tarp or a failed ratchet strap be the reason your truck gets sidelined during Roadcheck.
Be Ready. Be Compliant. Keep Rolling.
International Roadcheck is only 72 hours — but an out-of-service violation can cost you days of downtime and leave a mark on your safety record that takes years to clear. A little preparation goes a long way.
From the team at Verduyn Tarps — stay safe, stay compliant, and we’ll see you on the road.
Shop Cargo Securement Equipment: verduyntarps.com
