William Wood
Founder, TruckTalk
The annual 72-hour inspection blitz is scheduled for May 12-14, 2026. With ELD tampering and cargo securement as this year's focus areas, here's how English proficiency fits into the bigger picture.
Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts International Roadcheck — the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world. During 72 hours, inspectors across North America examine nearly 15 trucks every single minute.
The 2026 edition is scheduled for May 12-14, and this year's focus areas should be on every fleet manager's radar.
This Year's Focus Areas
ELD Tampering and Falsification
The driver-focused emphasis for 2026 is on electronic logging device (ELD) tampering, falsification, or manipulation. Inspectors will be looking closely at whether ELD records appear genuine and consistent with other evidence — fuel receipts, GPS data, and the driver's own statements about their route and timing.
Cargo Securement
The vehicle-focused emphasis is cargo securement. Improper or inadequate cargo securement creates serious risks: it affects vehicle handling and can cause loads to shift, fall, or become dislodged, creating hazards for everyone on the road.
Where English Proficiency Fits In
While ELD compliance and cargo securement are the official focus areas, English proficiency is assessed during every Level I inspection — and International Roadcheck primarily conducts Level I inspections. The 37-step procedure includes examination of the driver's qualifications, which encompasses English proficiency.
Think about it practically: if an inspector asks a driver about their ELD records or cargo securement practices and the driver can't communicate effectively in English, that's two problems, not one. The ELP assessment is built into the conversation that every inspection requires.
By the Numbers
During a typical International Roadcheck, inspectors conduct around 40,000 inspections over 72 hours. In recent years, approximately 20-25% of vehicles and drivers inspected have been placed out of service for various violations. With ELP enforcement now back in the out-of-service criteria, that percentage could shift.
How to Prepare Your Fleet
May is just weeks away. Here's a practical preparation checklist:
- ELD audit: Review all ELD records for the past 30 days. Look for anomalies, gaps, or patterns that could suggest tampering.
- Cargo securement training: Refresh drivers on proper securement techniques for the types of cargo they typically haul.
- English proficiency check: Have supervisors conduct informal English assessments with drivers. Can they discuss their route, cargo, and hours of service in English?
- Documentation review: Ensure all driver qualifications, medical certificates, and CDL credentials are current and accessible.
- Vehicle maintenance: Even though it's not a focus area, Level I inspections cover the full 37-step procedure. Brakes, lights, tires — everything gets checked.
The carriers that perform best during Roadcheck are the ones that treat compliance as a year-round practice, not a once-a-year scramble.
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