What Is DOT Blitz Week?
Every year, DOT Blitz Week—formally known as the CVSA International Roadcheck— sends a ripple through the trucking industry. Organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), in partnership with the FMCSA and other enforcement agencies across North America, this annual initiative is the largest targeted enforcement program focused on commercial motor vehicles and commercial truck drivers.
For 72 hours, inspectors ramp up roadside checks with a clear mission: to improve road safety, reinforce regulatory compliance, and evaluate vehicle fitness. Carriers and drivers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico prepare for thorough inspections—because this isn’t just another week. It’s a high-visibility reminder that safety isn’t seasonal.
Whether you’ve been through dozens of blitzes or are facing your first, understanding what this week is all about can help your operation stay ready year-round.
Why It Matters
DOT Blitz Week 2025 took place May 13-15, the usual spring schedule. For 72 hours, commercial motor vehicle inspectors across North America conducted intensified roadside checks, targeting both vehicle components and driver credentials. But while the blitz itself only lasts a few days, its impact reaches much further.
For trucking companies, DOT Week is a major checkpoint—a moment to evaluate where they stand on regulatory compliance and if they’re inspection-ready at all times. The reality is these inspections aren’t just about passing during a specific window. They’re a reminder that safety and compliance are a year-round responsibility.
Not preparing can lead to delays, citations, or worse—being placed out of service. That’s why being proactive with thorough inspections and internal checks isn’t just smart, it’s necessary.
What Inspectors Check: Drivers and Vehicles
During DOT Blitz Week, inspectors look at both the driver and the vehicle to make sure everything is in compliance and functioning properly. A single issue in either area can cause delays, fines or being placed out of service.
Driver Focus
Inspectors check that drivers meet all requirements, starting with hours of service (HOS) compliance and accurate duty status entries. Your records of duty status (RODS) must match your driving hours, and any signs of fatigue-related incidents or falsification can be a red flag. They’ll also review your driver credentials, including your commercial driver’s license (CDL), medical examiner’s certificate, and other supporting documents. They’ll check for seat belt usage and look for signs of drug impairment or exhaustion behind the wheel.
Vehicle Focus
On the equipment side, attention is on tire maintenance—specifically tire health, proper inflation, and spotting any improper repairs. They’ll inspect your engine and battery compartments, look for air leaks, inspect electrical cables, and confirm the functionality of emergency exits on passenger vehicles.
Other common inspection points include cargo securement and overall vehicle mechanical fitness. Every component must be secure, safe, and road-ready.
Who Gets Inspected?
DOT Blitz Week isn’t just for freight haulers. Commercial truck drivers, passenger-carrying vehicles, and even other passenger-carrying vehicles like transit shuttles or charter buses are all subject to inspection. If it’s a commercial motor vehicle, it can be pulled over for review.
Inspections cover both the driver and the vehicle, and most often include a Level I Inspection—the most thorough of all. These roadside inspections look at everything from documentation to mechanical fitness.
If violations are found, non-compliant drivers or vehicles may be placed out of service on the spot. That’s why preparation and awareness are key for anyone operating during DOT Week.
The Impact on the Industry
DOT Blitz Week can create a ripple effect across the trucking industry. With many carriers opting to park or repair equipment ahead of inspections, there are often fewer trucks on the road during the 72-hour period. This proactive approach helps avoid violations, but it also creates temporary capacity constraints.
As availability drops, the supply chain feels the pinch. Delays, rescheduled pickups, and tightened schedules become more common, especially in high-volume lanes.
But trucking companies that see this as a checkpoint—not a disruption—can use it to reinforce their safety standards and regulatory compliance. Being prepared year-round means fewer surprises and smoother operations even during the most intense weeks of enforcement.
Why Preparation Matters
Surviving DOT Blitz Week—and inspections year-round—starts with preparation. Conducting pre-trip inspections helps identify issues before they become violations, delays, or worse—being placed out of service.
Drivers and fleets should stay on top of driver operating requirements, regular vehicle maintenance, and the accuracy of records of duty status. That includes keeping all supporting documents organized and accessible during any roadside inspection. This attention to detail is your best defense against critical violations, non-compliance, and a poor safety rating—all of which can have long-term impacts on your ability to haul freight and secure contracts.
Common Violations Found During DOT Week
Each year, inspectors find a wide range of violations—many of which could have been avoided with proper maintenance and documentation. Some of the most common include:
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Faulty brakes, which can result in an immediate out-of-service order
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Tire failure is often caused by neglecting tire health or improper inflation
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Expired or missing driver credentials, including licenses and medical certificates
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Records of duty status (RODS) missing, incomplete, or falsified
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Failure to log required rest breaks and accurately track driving activity
These violations don’t just affect one trip—they can impact a carrier’s safety history, delay deliveries and damage customer relationships. Staying ahead of these issues is key to passing inspections and maintaining a clean record.
Staying Ready Beyond the Blitz
While DOT Blitz Week only lasts 72 hours, roadside enforcement doesn’t stop when the clock runs out. Inspections happen every day across the country, which means drivers and carriers need to maintain commercial vehicle safety year-round.
That means treating every haul like an inspection is possible. Keep your logs, documents, and equipment in order before each trip. Using an electronic logging device (ELD) is one of the most effective ways to accurately track times and duty statuses, making it easier to demonstrate compliance during any stop.
Just as important is preventing driver fatigue through proper scheduling and ongoing training. When drivers are rested and prepared, they’re safer on the road—and more likely to pass inspections without issue.
Raising the Bar in Safety
DOT Blitz Week isn’t just about catching violations—it’s about encouraging safer practices across the trucking industry. The focus is on improving safety standards and keeping commercial vehicles in full regulatory compliance.
For carriers, this annual event is a reminder to stay vigilant year-round, managing driving hours, maintaining equipment, and supporting drivers with accurate documentation and proper inspections.
As a freight brokerage, ShipEX Logistics partners with vetted carriers who share a strong commitment to safety and reliability. We don’t operate our own fleet, but we work with providers who meet the highest safety standards and uphold the expectations of both shippers and industry representatives.
