DOT Blitz Week: What is it? How has TMC Prepared?

on Monday, May 15, 2023 in Company News

Each year, truck drivers and carriers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are audited on their compliance to governmental commercial vehicle rules and regulations. This is also known as "Blitz Week." A 72-hour "blitz" of road checks and inspections conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). This year's DOT Blitz Week will take place beginning the morning of Tuesday, May 16th and ending the evening of Thursday, May 18th.

What is the purpose of Blitz Week?

First conducted in 1988, Blitz Week has become a staple in the CVSA's safety program in order to meticulously inspect and improve highway safety. For drivers, CVSA inspections may arise at various locations such as weigh stations or by roaming patrols and checkpoints. Drivers may be assessed in many areas including the mechanical health of the vehicle, driver credentials, proper permitting, and quite common for TMC, load securement. While the CVSA may check for a number of these, they release their main areas for concern each year in order to create a rotating routine inspection of each core function.

The focus of the 2023 Blitz Week is Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and load securement.

While the main purpose of these checks is to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers on the road, it can create quite the headache for drivers. Drivers and company employees alike must understand the primary goal of this event, what to expect, and the proper steps to prepare.

The Impact of Blitz Week

As you can imagine, imposing checkpoints, weigh-station inspections, and more can lead to a significant impact on drivers due to the possibility of violations. According to the CVSA, "If the inspector does identify critical vehicle inspection item violations, the vehicle will be restricted from operating until the identified out-of-service conditions have been corrected." This can create a loss of income, and additional corrective costs for the issues found.

While the upcoming week can cause an increased stress levels for drivers, there is also a posing reward for companies such as TMC. An increase of attention can also mean increased focus on safety. TMC consistently promotes safe driving practices and is looking forward to the positive impact the CVSA's Blitz Week can have on demonstration of safety while on the road.

TMC Preparations

Due to the hustle and bustle that surrounds the upcoming Blitz Week, TMC is well prepared for drivers to hit the road during this 72-hour period. In the efforts of avoiding CVSA disruptions at any time, TMC prepares drivers to succeed each day. We encourage drivers to increase communication efforts if needed and ensure vehicle maintenance checks prior to hitting the road. Drivers should be up-to-date on any regulation changes, documentation, and other requirements. As a company, TMC ensures drivers have access to relevant technology and resources for support at all times.

While participating in Blitz Week is not optional, TMC plans to make the best out of it by ensuring our drivers and equipment adhere to regulations and are maintained to a high standard. The upcoming week plays a large part in the continued safety of our drivers, and TMC looks forward to supplying effective practices to ensure safe and efficient delivery for all.