How shippers can prepare for DOT Blitz Week 2025

Next week, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is holding its International Roadcheck, also known as DOT Blitz Week. If you rely on freight shipping in North America, this annual compliance check has the potential to disrupt your business. 

Here’s what you need to know to prepare for DOT Blitz Week 2025 and key things to watch out for. 

What is DOT Blitz Week?

The CVSA is a North American nonprofit organization that works to improve commercial motor vehicle industry safety, prevent crashes, and reduce the risk of injuries (or fatalities). 

Each year, the CVSA runs the CVSA International Roadcheck (AKA DOT Blitz Week or simply CVSA Roadcheck). During this three-day event, CVSA-certified inspectors undertake initiatives that promote greater safety for drivers and vehicles. The roadcheck happens across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

This is the world’s biggest targeted enforcement program focused on commercial motor vehicles. According to the CVSA, an average of 15 motorcoaches and trucks are inspected each minute throughout North America during the event.

Law enforcement personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations across North America throughout this 72-hour period. For businesses that send freight throughout North America, this can lead to disruptions and delays.

When is DOT Blitz Week 2025?

CVSA’s Blitz Week 2025 will run from Tuesday, May 13th, through Thursday, May 15th. 

What are the DOT Blitz Week 2025 focus areas?

CVSA Roadcheck focuses on different types of violations each year. 

The focus is divided into driver compliance and critically important vehicle violations. The focus areas for 2025 are:

Driver compliance: False records of duty status (RODs)

Hours-of-service (HOS) regulations are crucial for the safety of truck drivers and other individuals on the road. They limit the number of driving hours workers can accumulate in one day and mandate rest breaks to prevent drivers from becoming overly tired at the wheel. 

In International Roadcheck 2025, inspectors will be checking records of duty (RODs) for the following:

• Compliance with HOS regulations
• Tampering with electronic logging devices
• Using ghost drivers (claiming that co-drivers are present when they aren’t)
• Using the personal conveyance special driving category improperly
• Recording off-duty time while undertaking work for a motor carrier or non-motor carrier

Vehicle violations: Tires

During DOT Blitz Week 2025, the vehicle violation focus is on tires. Inspectors will be checking for proper tire maintenance and:

• Low tread depth
• Flat tires
• Separation of tread or sidewall
• Sidewall bulging
• Audible air leaks
• Items lodged between dual tires
• Exposed material or casing in treads or sidewalls
• Improper repairs 

How CVSA Roadcheck can affect freight shipments

Why should your business care about DOT Blitz Week 2025? It’s simple: it could directly impact your shipments if the driver transporting your goods is found to be violating regulations. 

They will be required to stop driving immediately until the issue has been resolved, and neither they nor their cargo will reach their destination on time. This could lead to costly delays and disruptions. 

Other potential issues include:

• Drivers may be less willing to work during CVSA Roadcheck to avoid inspections
• Carriers could have lower capacity with fewer vehicles on the road
• Spot rates might increase as carrier supply drops and demand remains the same
• Drivers may be late after thorough inspections

How can shippers prepare for DOT Blitz Week 2025?

Follow these tips to prepare for this year’s CVSA Roadcheck:

• Plan carefully: Research the focus areas and what inspectors will be looking for to reduce your risk of disruptions. Then communicate with your carriers to ensure they’re compliant.

• Be flexible with shipping dates: If possible, offering carriers a little leeway in shipping deadlines can make Blitz Week easier for everyone. 

• Talk to your carriers: Communicate your shipping needs clearly with carriers — explain what you have to transport during CVSA Roadcheck and discuss your flexibility. 

• Choose carriers wisely: Reputable carriers will ensure all drivers and vehicles align with regulations. Pick the right carrier, and your shipments are less likely to be delayed due to non-compliance. 

DTS can help you navigate CVSA Roadcheck

DOT Blitz Week may only cover three days, but it can make shipping more complicated before, during, and after. If you’re worried about your shipments being affected in 2025 or any other year, working with a trusted shipping partner will make it easier to manage. 

DTS is the ideal partner for efficient, dependable freight shipping across North America. We’ll find a trusted carrier to transport your goods during CVSA Roadcheck and beyond, leaving you free to focus on running your business. To request your quote, get in touch with our team today.