Every May, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s International Roadcheck week rolls around like clockwork. And every year, it catches some fleets off guard. The Roadcheck is a 72-hour enforcement blitz across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This year’s inspections run May 13-15, and as always, they’re focused on pulling unsafe equipment off the road.
New Trailer-Specific Changes for 2025
As of April 1, 2025, the CVSA’s latest Out-of-Service Criteria went into effect, and several changes directly affect trailer inspections. Here’s what’s different this year and how it might impact your fleet:
Brake Systems
- Unplugged electrical cables and disconnected service gladhands can now result in OOS violations for inoperative brakes.
- Mismarked brake hoses (e.g., using a hose labeled for hydraulic systems on an air brake system) are now violations.
- Both primary and secondary air systems must now drop below 20 PSI to trigger an OOS violation — changing how inspectors assess air loss situations.
Tires
- Leaks in the tread area now trigger OOS status if the trailer doesn’t have ATIS.
- Sidewall leaks are OOS violations regardless of whether ATIS is present.
- Clarified standards now apply equally to radial and bias tires, eliminating separate criteria.
Lighting
- A new section now covers projecting load lamps, making it more enforceable for flatbeds and overhanging cargo to be flagged for improper or missing lighting.
Cargo Securement and Suspension
- Language was updated to clarify securement expectations under FMCSR 392.9.
- U-bolt bottom plate guidance was clarified, and suspension diagrams were updated, putting additional scrutiny on trailer suspension components.
If your checklist hasn’t been updated since last year, now’s the time. Train your drivers on:
- Checking electrical and air connections (especially gladhands and ABS cords);
- Knowing what to look for with ATIS-equipped tires vs. standard setups;
- Verifying that brake and suspension components match application markings.
To take a deeper dive into trailer maintenance, click here.
Even though it’s coming up quickly, don’t let the Roadcheck stress you out. Instead, think of it as a litmus test of your trailer program’s effectiveness and a good reminder to check the small stuff that can snowball into big violations.
The Big Four OOS Boogeymen
According to the CVSA, last year, these four categories accounted for the bulk of out-of-service (OOS) violations during the Roadcheck:
- Defective service brakes and other brake violations (42.9%)
- Tires and wheel-end assemblies (22.1%)
- Lights and signals (12%)
- Cargo securement (8.8%)
That’s a whopping 85.8% of OOS violations during the Roadcheck falling into just four categories.
But while drivers get most of the credit (or blame) at roadside inspections, trailers account for a major portion of violations. According to FleetPulse data, roughly 75% of trailer-related violations are tied to components that could be monitored or even prevented through proactive inspections and smart technology.
The Undercarriage Check That Saves the Day
Brake-related violations are still the top cause of vehicle OOS designations during the Roadcheck. But thorough brake inspections can be tough, especially for drivers. Inspectors spend most of their time underneath the trailer, and that’s exactly where drivers least want to go, especially in bad weather or low-light conditions.
That’s where technology comes into play. Smart trailer telematics systems like FleetPulse can detect leaking wheel seals, low brake lining thickness, and ABS faults. Combined with a disciplined preventative maintenance schedule, it gives your fleet a solid defense against unexpected wheel-end failures.
Don’t Overlook Trailer Tire Pressure
Here’s something to consider: Mismanaged trailer tire pressure is one of the fastest ways to fail an inspection because it’s so easy to overlook.
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, wear unevenly, and are more prone to blowouts. Overinflated tires reduce contact with the road, cut into tread life, and compromise stability. Either way, fuel economy takes a hit.
Consider this, too: A trailer tire underinflated by 10 PSI can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 1.5%. Investing in an ATIS system can help but remember that most tire inflation systems only add air — they don’t remove it. That can matter a lot when a trailer moves from cold climates to hot ones.
Visibility Violations
It might seem basic, but lighting violations continue to be one of the most common (and easily avoidable) OOS triggers during the CVSA’s Roadcheck. What’s especially challenging is that trailer lighting systems take the brunt of road wear: dirt, corrosion, moisture, and repeated drops can all cause intermittent failures that are hard to spot without a pre-trip system check.
How to stay out of the dark
- Verify all required lights are illuminating properly: tail lights, marker lights, brake lights, turn signals, license plate lamps, and reflectors;
- Clean all lenses, especially the lower rear and side marker lamps that accumulate the most grime;
- Check the trailer-to-tractor cord (the 7-way plug) for corrosion, bent pins, or loose connections;
- Inspect for frayed wiring, cracked housings, or exposed copper, especially around the rear crossmember and underbody junction boxes.
One more thing: If your trailer is spec’d with auxiliary lighting or specialized lamps for overhangs, projecting loads, or reefer visibility, ensure those are compliant and operational.
A Flatbed-Specific Wake-Up Call
Flatbed trailers see more cargo securement violations than any other type, and the reason is simple: More securement methods mean more margin for error.
The best fix is old-school vigilance. Walk around every load before departure. Ask drivers to recheck tie-downs after 50 miles. And use edge protectors and blocking/bracing for irregular cargo.
Uptime Over Everything
Don’t think of the CVSA’s Roadcheck as surviving a few intense days of inspections. Instead, think of it as a reminder to make sure your trailers are always inspection-ready. Whether it’s May or October, a blown tire, failed brake, or loose load costs your fleet time, money, and customer confidence.
Schedule a preventative maintenance check at one of our service center locations.
