International Roadcheck 2026 will take place from May 12-14, with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) being the primary driver safety target. This focus on ELDs is a significant shift in the enforcement strategy, as it aims to address potential tampering, falsification, or manipulation of hours-of-service records. The inspection process will also examine cargo securement, which poses a serious risk to drivers and other motorists.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) manages International Roadcheck, a 72-hour enforcement event that takes place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The event is coordinated among law enforcement agencies, with inspectors conducting checks at weigh stations, inspections, and 'pop-up inspection sites.' This multi-faceted approach ensures comprehensive coverage of commercial vehicles on the road.
The inspection process involves a 37-point test, with two major components: an examination of the driver's operating requirements and an assessment of the vehicle's mechanical fitness. Inspectors will be looking for signs of tampering, falsification, or manipulation of ELDs, which can result from a driver's lack of understanding of federal regulations and exemptions.
CVSA has reported that falsification of records was one of the most cited violations during roadside inspections in 2025, with over 50,000 bookings by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This highlights the need for drivers to accurately record their hours of service and adhere to federal regulations.
The 'vehicle focus' aspect of International Roadcheck also emphasizes the importance of proper cargo securement. Improper or inadequate cargo securement poses a serious risk to drivers and other motorists, as it can affect vehicle maneuverability and cause unsecured loads to fall or become dislodged, resulting in roadway hazards and crashes.
According to FMCSA data from last year, there were 18,108 violations issued due to cargo not being secured, while 16,054 violations were issued for vehicle components or dunnage not being secured. These numbers underscore the significance of ensuring that cargo is properly secured to prevent accidents.
Last year's International Roadcheck saw a notable increase in drivers staying off the road to avoid stepped-up enforcement, which appeared to have a positive impact on capacity. However, this trend was short-lived, and it has only been since late November that the Outbounder Tender Rejection Index in SONAR has shown a steady increase.
The tightening of enforcement during International Roadcheck 2026 will likely have a lasting impact on the industry, as it highlights the need for drivers to be more vigilant about adhering to regulations and ensuring their vehicles are properly secured. This increased scrutiny will also benefit carriers who prioritize safety and compliance.
As International Roadcheck 2026 approaches, drivers and carriers must be prepared to address potential issues with ELDs and cargo securement. By taking proactive steps to ensure accurate records and proper vehicle maintenance, they can reduce the risk of violations and contribute to a safer road environment.
The increasing scrutiny of ELDs during International Roadcheck 2026 highlights the need for drivers to understand federal regulations and exemptions, as inaccurate entries can lead to serious consequences.
