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.
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:
Falsification of records of duty status was the second most-cited driver violation
Inspectors reviewing a driver's record of duty status will be alert for:
Driving while not logged in
Edited records without proper annotations
Gaps or inconsistencies between logs and supporting documents
Devices that appear disconnected or improperly used
Devices that appear disconnected or improperly used
Drivers unable to transmit ELD data
Remember, even small discrepancies can raise questions.
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
Audit recent RODS entries
Confirm drivers know how to transfer logs during an inspection
Review internal policies on edits and exemptions
Maintain organized, accessible supporting documents
Roadcheck might only be 72 hours, but hours-of-service enforcement happens every day.
Improperly secured cargo isn't just a paperwork violation — it's an immediate roadway hazard.
According to CVSA, in 2025:
8,108 violations were issued because cargo was not properly secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling.
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.
During the vehicle portion of a Level I inspection, officers may check:
Proper blocking and bracing of loads
Tie-downs for wear, damage, or insufficient strength
Secure anchor points free from cracking or deformation
End gates and tailboards properly secured
Rear doors fully closed and latched
Flatbed loads positioned to prevent forward movement
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.
Reinforce cargo securement training
Inspect tie-downs regularly for wear and damage
Review FMCSA cargo securement regulations with drivers
Conduct spot checks before dispatch
Remember,strong cargo securement practices reduce violations and risk.
Print them out, share them with drivers, and post them where drivers will see regularly them.
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:
Review your hours-of-service records
Audit recent ELD entries
Confirm that driver qualification files are organized and accessible
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.