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What to Know About Cargo Securement & ELD Tampering
International Roadcheck returns May 12–14, 2026, bringing a concentrated 72-hour enforcement effort to roadways across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), the initiative focuses primarily on Level I inspections that include detailed examinations of a driver's qualifications and a vehicle's mechanical fitness.
The focus areas for 2026 reflect where regulators continue to see risk. Last year alone, more than 18,000 violations were issued for improperly secured cargo, and falsification of records of duty status (RODS) ranked as the second most-cited driver violation.
This year, cargo securement and ELD tampering are squarely in the spotlight.
ELD Tampering Is Under the Microscope
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) were designed to increase transparency around driving time. But when logs are inaccurate — whether due to misunderstanding or intentional manipulation — enforcement follows.
According to the CVSA, in 2025 alone:
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Falsification of records of duty status was the second most-cited driver violation
- Five of the top 10 driver violations were tied to hours-of-service or ELD compliance
What Triggers Red Flags During Inspection?
Inspectors reviewing a driver's record of duty status will be alert for:
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Driving while not logged in
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Edited records without proper annotations
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Gaps or inconsistencies between logs and supporting documents
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Devices that appear disconnected or improperly used
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Devices that appear disconnected or improperly used
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Drivers unable to transmit ELD data
Remember, even small discrepancies can raise questions.
ELD Penalties Add Up Quickly
False log violations can result in civil penalties of up to $1,584 per day, with total fines climbing past $15,000. Repeated violations can also affect safety scores and increase scrutiny during audits.
Proactive Steps to Take Now
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Audit recent RODS entries
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Confirm drivers know how to transfer logs during an inspection
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Review internal policies on edits and exemptions
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Maintain organized, accessible supporting documents
Roadcheck might only be 72 hours, but hours-of-service enforcement happens every day.
Cargo Securement: A Persistent Enforcement Issue
Improperly secured cargo isn't just a paperwork violation — it's an immediate roadway hazard.
According to CVSA, in 2025:
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8,108 violations were issued because cargo was not properly secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling.
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An additional 16,054 violations involved vehicle components or loads that were not secured.
Those numbers make cargo securement a natural focus area for 2026.
What Inspectors Will Be Looking For
During the vehicle portion of a Level I inspection, officers may check:
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Proper blocking and bracing of loads
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Tie-downs for wear, damage, or insufficient strength
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Secure anchor points free from cracking or deformation
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End gates and tailboards properly secured
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Rear doors fully closed and latched
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Flatbed loads positioned to prevent forward movement
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Dunnage and equipment (chains, straps, tarps, spare tires) properly secured
If a load appears capable of shifting, leaking, or falling, the vehicle may be placed out of service.
How to Prepare Now
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Reinforce cargo securement training
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Inspect tie-downs regularly for wear and damage
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Review FMCSA cargo securement regulations with drivers
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Conduct spot checks before dispatch
Remember,strong cargo securement practices reduce violations and risk.
Here are links to helpful resources from the CVSA.
Print them out, share them with drivers, and post them where drivers will see regularly them.
Roadcheck Lasts 72 Hours, But Compliance Lasts All Year.
International Roadcheck may span just three days, but the issues inspectors are focusing on this year, like ELD tampering and cargo securement, are monitored year-round.
Now is the time to:
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Review your hours-of-service records
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Audit recent ELD entries
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Confirm that driver qualification files are organized and accessible
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Reinforce cargo securement procedures with drivers
If you're unsure where your DOT recordkeeping stands, it's better to address gaps now before an inspection brings them to light. Let Foley help.
Our all-in-one compliance platform, Dash, helps carriers manage their FMCSA requirements in one place, from hiring and onboarding to hours-of-service recordkeeping and audit preparation.
Request a demo today and discover how centralized documentation and real-time visibility can empower you to approach Roadcheck with confidence and maintain compliance long after it ends.
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