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Preparing for the 2021 International Roadcheck
Jun 17, 2021

As a big supporter of managing a fleet of well-maintained, safe trucks (link to Fleet Safety Program: 4 Important Things to Remember), Gold Star looks forward to the International Roadcheck every year. This three-day event focuses on motor carrier, vehicle, and driver safety. In 2021, it will run from May 4th to May 6th.


The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), a nonprofit organization made up of motor vehicle safety officials and industry representatives, leads the cause. Over a 72-hour period, tens of thousands of commercial vehicle inspections will occur across the continent. It is the “largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world,” boasting that “nearly 15 trucks or buses [are] inspected, on average, every minute across North America” during the event (per the CVSA website).

The History

International Roadcheck began in 1988. In addition to the 1.4 million inspections it’s conducted during that time, the CVSA uses the event to educate both those of us in the industry and the general public on the incredible importance of safe fleet operation and, specifically, the roadside inspection program.


In 2020, International Roadcheck conducted 50,000 inspections in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, finding an out-of-service rate of 20.9%, with a focus on driver requirements. That number was up compared to 17.9% in 2019, when the focus was on steering and suspension systems.

The Process

Inspectors put commercial vehicles through the 37-step procedure that makes up the North American Standard Level I Inspection. This inspection is focused primarily on driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness.

2021 Focus

This year, the driver operating requirement category of focus will be hours of service, and the mechanical fitness category of focus will be lighting.


This means that the rules that limit the number of hours a driver may spend driving (and the minimum amount of rest between driving stints) will be under scrutiny. 


The lighting requirement will inspect the headlamps, tail lamps, clearance lamps, identification lamps, license plate and side marker lamps, stop lamps, turn signals, and lamps on projecting loads. Per the 2021 International Roadcheck flyer, “all required lighting devices are inspected for proper color, operation, mounting, and visibility” and “the condition and location of reflectors and retroreflective sheeting are also inspected.”

Preparing for International Roadcheck 2021

Be sure that your drivers are prepared for this “blitz” of inspections. In addition to the regular maintenance you should be doing on your fleet proactively (link to Commercial Vehicle Maintenance Checklist: 3 Priorities That Will Save You Money), you should also double check that your drivers have the proper documentation, records, and devices on hand. That list includes roadside view ready ELD, commercial driver’s license, medical certificate (including waivers), proof of periodic inspection documentation, and all load-related paperworking.


Experts also stress the importance of a polite, professional demeanor from your drivers during the inspections. Though there might be some frustration because it is cutting into their driving time, it’s important to remember that the inspectors and troopers are also just doing their jobs. Defensive, combative attitudes might result in longer delays or even fines.

Remember the Reason for International Roadcheck

Ultimately, the goal behind International Roadcheck is to keep everyone—from the public to your drivers—protected by removing unsafe, out-of-compliance commercial vehicles from the road. Properly maintained vehicles keep your team safe, other people on the road safe, and your business safe because it cuts back on expensive roadside emergencies, accidents, and downtime.


Prepare for International Roadcheck 2021 today. And if you’re looking to improve your business, remember Gold Star. We have all of your trucking needs in one place.

Your Guide to the Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program

17 Jun, 2021
It’s impossible to think of the trucking industry without considering Amazon. In 2019, the company delivered 4.5 billion packages in the United States . Their Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program enables anyone with some startup capital the opportunity to get involved in their massively successful business venture. There are pros and cons to becoming an Amazon DSP, but the steady stream of work is certainly eye-catching to start-up trucking companies. Amazon lays out some of the most important information , but let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions.

Your Guide to DOT Background Check Requirements for Drivers

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A thorough, compliant background screening program for your drivers should be the backbone of your hiring strategy. Background checks ensure that your new drivers have all of the qualifications necessary to do the job well and to best represent your company out on the road. Background checks also, of course, weed out any drivers with disqualifying criminal histories, a history of driving violations, and substance abuse problems. That’s why they should be a standard part of your fleet safety program anyway (link to “Fleet Safety Program: 4 Important Things to Remember”). In our regulated industry, a DOT background check is required. Here’s how DOT background check requirements differ from standard employment screening.

Will Truck Driving Be Automated?

17 Jun, 2021
It’s the question on the minds of truck drivers, owners, and delivery companies everywhere: will truck driving be automated? Automated trucks have been a conversation point for years now, with many worrying that technology advances will put millions of people out of work. Despite these concerns, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5% growth for trucking employment in the coming years. While other industries struggle to adapt to new technology, the trucking industry is greatly benefiting from it. There are a range of opinions when it comes to this question, though most truck drivers seem confident that their jobs can’t (or at least won’t) be done by machines any time soon. Before getting into the trucking industry, it’s important that you take a look at the landscape and make an educated decision about it—but remember there will always be a need to move goods from one place to another, and the explosion in online ordering suggests that need is only going to expand. Let’s take a look at the current state of automated trucks as we dive into the question: will truck driving be automated?

What Is Carbon Neutral Shipping & How Do Companies Become Carbon Neutral?

17 Jun, 2021
Trucking and logistics is no longer just about getting materials from point A to point B. Much like consumers want to buy their products from socially responsible corporations or boycott businesses that don’t align with their beliefs, many companies want to work with trucking companies that prove they care about the environment. Whether due to their personal beliefs, to the corporate responsibility goals they’re mandated to meet, or to a desire to please their own customer base, you’re serving clients who will ask about your carbon neutral shipping practices sooner rather than later. Now is the time to start taking this topic seriously. Do you find yourself asking “what is carbon neutral shipping anyway?” Are you wondering why carbon neutral shipping might be a benefit? Curious to know how companies become carbon neutral? Keep reading to discover the answers to all of your questions about this climate-responsible approach to business.

What Do I Need to Start a Trucking Company?

17 Jun, 2021
The trucking industry landscape is largely made up of small businesses—with over 90% of companies operating fewer than seven trucks—so there is room for you if you’re considering starting a small trucking business. Whether you’re a professional truck driver already or you’re just a prospective business owner looking to cash in on the projected growth in the industry, you can get on the road toward a successful business with our help. What do you need to start your own trucking business? Just a little bit of insight from Gold Star’s experts.

The Facts & Figures: How Much Does it Cost to Start a Trucking Company?

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Are you ready to work for yourself? Find yourself wondering how much does it cost to start a trucking company? Some estimates anticipate between $10,000 and $20,000 to get started with a small trucking company, assuming you don’t have to factor in the average cost of a semi truck. What goes into the cost of starting a logistics company? Let’s take a look.
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