DOT Week Is Here! Fleet Managers, Are You Ready?

Every year, fleet managers have an exciting time while preparing for one of the most intense periods in commercial transportation – DOT Week, formerly called the CVSA International Roadcheck. Starting tomorrow, inspectors will blanket the United States, Canada, and some international points for a 72-hour enforcement action.

This isn't just another inspection cycle; it is the largest focused vehicle and driver safety inspection on the continent. If your fleet is not as prepared as possible, the impact could go far beyond a temporary delay.

What Happens During DOT Week?

During this 3-day event, certified inspectors conduct North American Standard Level I Inspections. These include 37 key checks covering:

• Brake systems

• Coupling devices

• Lights and reflectors

• Securement

• Hours-of-Service compliance

• Driver credentials and logs

• Tire condition and air pressure

This year's area of emphasis covers wheel ends and driver records, both of which are essential elements in road safety and DOT compliance. If your fleet of commercial vehicles or drivers is not found to be compliant with these two critical areas, the fleet may have far-reaching consequences.

The Real Cost of Non-Compliance

High rates of out-of-service orders during DOT Week highlight the critical need for thorough preparation. Nearly 20% of vehicles inspected during the past DOT Weeks were taken off the road. For fleet operators, that means:

1. Missed delivery deadlines

2. Higher insurance premiums

3. Risk of damaged CSA scores

4. Loss of customer trust and potential liability

A single out-of-service order can throw a wrench in your timetable. When you have someone repeatedly violating your schedule, the bad long-term impact on your credibility with regulators and clients can be substantial.

How Kooner Keeps Your Fleet Ahead

At Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, we don't wait for DOT Week to act on behalf of our clients. We support fleet managers year-round to ensure that their vehicles, drivers, and paperwork comply with safety and compliance regulations before inspectors arrive.

Proactive Vehicle Inspections

We conduct full health checks using CVSA-level assessment criteria — brakes, lights, etc. Every system is checked with the intention of preparing it for a DOT inspection.

We Plan for Your Compliance

We help drivers stay audit-ready with organized logs, valid permits, and clean maintenance records. Authentic documents can be promptly delivered on the roadside, allowing a more streamlined roadside experience for the driver.

Real Time Fleet Health Alerts

With logistics-level telematics, we monitor everything from brake wear to tire inflation. Fleet managers are sent alerts in real-time so minor issues can be rectified before they turn into enforcement violations.

This Week is a Test. Don't Just Pass, Look Good While Doing It!

DOT Week is about more than just passing an inspection; it's a chance to demonstrate your fleet's credibility, reliability, safety, and professionalism. Fleets passing clean inspections will receive better CSA scores and strengthen their existing client relationships. The rest will experience downtime and penalties.

The time to act is now! Don't wait until after you get an inspection notice to prepare.

Contact Kooner Fleet Management Solutions today and keep your operations safe, compliant, and moving forward.