What is DOT week?
Occurring this year from May 16-18, DOT Week is the commonly used name for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck — an annual 72-hour event that promotes safety and security for trucks and their drivers. During this time, CVSA-certified inspectors run routine inspections along the road, averaging 15 every minute. Each year the DOT sets a focus for their checks and takes unsafe drivers and trucks off the road.
With the increase in inspections comes setbacks within the industry, although short-lived. Keep yourself knowledgeable about the situation to stay ahead of shortfalls that may arise as a result of DOT roadside inspections.
The Roadcheck will focus on antilock brake systems this year
One of the focuses this year is antilock brake systems (ABS). Once a driver is pulled over, inspectors will assess the truck’s ABS to determine if they are operating safely. Although not an out-of-service violation, meaning the driver can continue to deliver their load without proper ABS, DOT week is setting their focus on ABS violations because of the hefty security impact that driving without ABS has on truck drivers and others on the road. Inspectors will be looking to:
- Determine if ABS is required on that vehicle
- Ensure the ABS turns on and off during the diagnostics check
- Make sure the ABS does not malfunction and that the lamps do not remain on during transit
Another focus is cargo securement
The second focus during DOT inspection week will be cargo securement. Cargo securement is just that — ensuring a load is secure and does not move around during transit. This may mean the need for additional load bars, straps and dunnage. The DOT sites that 10.6% of out-of-service violations in 2022 were due to cargo securement issues, so they’ll be looking to:
- Ensure spare tires and loads are prevented from falling or shifting from the vehicle
- Confirm there are adequate tie-downs for the load
- Check for defective tiedown devices
- Inspect anchor points for damage
- Verify commodity-specific cargo is compliant
DOT week’s impact on capacity
Because so many trucks are stopped and inspected, and checks can take up to a few hours to complete, many drivers take their vacation days and do not drive during this time. For some drivers, the risk of receiving an out-of-service violation is not worth the reward of moving a load. By taking off, drivers cause a dip in available capacity which in turn makes it more difficult to find a truck for your load. Prices may rise, as well.
How to avoid DOT week’s capacity crunch
If you are shipping during DOT week 2023, these are some tips to follow to mitigate any delays in getting your loads delivered:
- Be patient and anticipate delays. With the chances being higher that your load will be delayed due to roadside inspections, especially on long hauls, be patient and try to ship ahead of schedule to mitigate any timing or capacity issues.
- Communicate layover fees beforehand. Layovers may occur due to roadside inspections, which could result in layover fees. It is crucial to know these fees before you are charged for them!
- Remain flexible on dates and hours. If you are shipping on the spot market, remain flexible where possible in order to alleviate any capacity pressure and get your load picked up.
- Remember that the market will get back to normal. DOT week occurs each year, and drivers know what to do and how to act. DOT week 2023 will be over before you know it!
Navigate DOT week and other disruptions with ArcBest
Working with an experienced and knowledgeable shipping partner is an important step in ensuring your shipments deliver on schedule — no matter what’s happening in the market. With knowledge and experience of this annual event, ArcBest can help you plan your shipments accordingly to keep your supply chain moving. Learn more about our resources and solutions for shippers.