April 2026 DOT Focus

Good Afternoon,

As we head into CVSA International Roadcheck (May 12–14), April’s DOT Focus centers on two enforcement priorities carriers must be preparing for: cargo securement and ELD tampering. Below is a clear, practical breakdown of what to expect and what enforcement will be looking for.

With cargo securement designated as this year’s International Roadcheck vehicle focus, it’s an important time to revisit hazmat package securement requirements.

Hazmat securement falls under 49 CFR §177.834(a) — a standard that is more stringent than general cargo securement rules found in §393.100–393.136. Hazmat packages must be secured in all four directions to prevent movement under normal transportation conditions.

Key reminder:

· If the package moves, ask whether that movement could compromise the integrity of the package.

· Damage that causes a package to no longer meet its specification testing requirements (drop test, stacking test, etc.) may result in violations — even if no product is released.

Extra attention to securement upfront can help avoid citations and out‑of‑service conditions during Roadcheck inspections.

This year’s Roadcheck also places heightened emphasis on ELD tampering, falsification, or manipulation of records of duty status.

The Out‑of‑Service Criteria states:

Part I, Item 10.a(8): A required Record of Duty Status (RODS) recorded on an ELD does not accurately reflect the driver’s duty status due to disabled, reengineered, reprogrammed, or tampered data, and it is not possible for the inspector to determine when driving and rest breaks occurred.

Violations meeting this standard can result in the driver being declared out of service for 10 consecutive hours.

With this emphasis, carriers should be reviewing:

· ELD configuration and functionality

· Driver training and log‑editing practices

· Supporting documents that align with RODS entries

During a North American Standard Level I Inspection, inspectors focus on both vehicle and driver safety compliance.

Inspectors may review:

· Brake systems

· Cargo securement

· Coupling devices

· Driveline and suspension components

· Lighting devices

· Steering mechanisms

· Tires, wheels, rims, and hubs

· Windshield wipers

Passenger‑carrying vehicles may also be inspected for emergency exits, seating, and electrical systems.

Inspectors will check:

· Driver credentials

· Hours‑of‑service documentation

· Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse status

· Seat belt use

· Alcohol and/or drug impairment

This year, inspectors will place special attention on false or manipulated records of duty status.

Many roadside inspections begin with a simple traffic violation. With Roadcheck approaching, quality pre‑ and post‑trip inspections and safe driving habits matter more than ever.

Seven of the top violations cited in 2025 involved:

· Lighting issues

· Tire defects

· Brake violations

· Paperwork deficiencies

· Emergency equipment issues

These are items that are often easy to identify and correct before hitting the road.

Additional reminders:

· Long flatbed loads make strap and chain counts visible from a distance

· Leaking or blowing material from dump vehicles is easily spotted

· Loose tools, tarps, or dunnage on catwalks and under decks draw attention

Regardless of vehicle type, ensure lights work properly and everything is secure. Don’t provide enforcement an easy reason to initiate a stop.

CVSA has announced May 12–14 as this year’s International Roadcheck, a high‑visibility, high‑volume 72‑hour inspection event across North America.

2026 Focus Areas:

· Driver focus: ELD tampering, falsification, and manipulation

· Vehicle focus: Cargo securement

Improper securement poses serious risks to drivers and the motoring public, affecting vehicle stability and increasing the likelihood of roadway hazards.

👉 Learn more about Roadcheck 2026: https://cvsa.org/news/2026-roadcheck/

If you have questions or would like assistance reviewing how these enforcement priorities may impact your operation, feel free to reach out.

Wishing you a safe and successful April — and a smooth Roadcheck.

Stay Safe and God Bless,

Zach Kuder, TRS

Roark & Sutton, LLC

📞 Office: 417‑830‑0466

📱 Direct: 417‑397‑4670

✉️ Zach@roarkandsutton.com

This message is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to bind insurance coverage. No coverage is bound or amended unless confirmed in writing by an authorized representative of our agency. All coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the applicable policy.