Preparing for International Roadcheck with OOIDA

Since its start in 1988, International Roadcheck has created an opportunity to educate the industry and public about the importance of safe commercial vehicle operations and the roadside inspection program. Now, in its 34^th year, more than 1.4 million roadside inspections have been conducted during International Roadcheck. (Source: Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance)

Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) focuses on a specific aspect of roadside inspection throughout the 72-hour inspection period. In 2022, CVSA has chosen to focus on wheel ends, which offer support to heavy loads, help maintain stability and control, and are critical for braking. Recognizing the importance of these inspections, Truckstop teamed up with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) to gather tips for keeping carriers safer on the road and help them prepare for Roadcheck.

Tom Crowley, Compliance Agent at OOIDA, offers his insights:

• The Essential Pre-Trip: Drivers should start their day off with a “pre-trip” inspection, which is incredibly important to guarantee that their vehicle is in good shape and to make sure that they are keeping themselves and others safe on the road. Part of the pre-trip inspection should be checking the wheel ends, the tires, and the wheels. They all have different components, but they need to work together and do their job to keep trucks moving safely. Be sure to take a close look at everything, and be sure to get under the truck as well!
• There’s a Problem – Now What?: If you are on the road and you detect a seepage issue coming from the wheel ends or a loss of lubricant, that can result in a catastrophic situation, such as a wheel loss. A quick tip is if your wheel hub is too hot to touch, then you probably have a wheel end bearing issue, and immediate intervention is needed. Seepage from wheel ends can also result in lubricant getting on the truck’s brakes, which can result in the loss of braking ability.
• Prepping for Roadcheck: This is a very in-depth inspection that happens once a year, and it is important to be buttoned up for it. CVSA always has a specific area that they focus on, but that doesn’t just mean they are looking at one thing. CVSA will look at everything, including headlights, windshield wipers, and more. They really are things that drivers need to be aware of on a daily basis, so be sure to give that extra time to do a good job examining your truck, not just before this 72-hour period, but regularly.

• How OOIDA Helps: OOIDA is the International Trade Association representing the interests of independent owner-operators and professional drivers on all issues that affect truckers. There are more than 150,000 members of OOIDA across all 50 states and Canada who collectively own and/or operate more than 240,000 individual heavy-duty trucks and small truck fleets. We want to make sure that everyone is prepared for Roadcheck, so we share a ton of information with our members, especially the newer drivers who are a little less experienced. Some great resources for drivers include the Land Line Now Radio Show and Land Line Magazine where we are able to go into more depth on vehicle maintenance and more.

As International Roadcheck nears, Truckstop and OOIDA want to make sure that you are prepared for what is to come in your inspection. For more information on OOIDA or to become a member, visit www.ooida.com.