Get ready for DOT Week 2025: May 13–15, 2025

Focus: Hours of Service Compliance

Each spring, the trucking industry braces for one of the most high-profile safety initiatives of the year—DOT Week, formally known as the CVSA International Roadcheck. From May 13–15, 2025, enforcement officials across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will conduct tens of thousands of inspections, spotlighting Hours of Service (HOS) regulations as this year’s area of emphasis.

What You Need to Know

Conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) in partnership with the FMCSA, Transport Canada, and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, this 72-hour blitz aims to ensure commercial vehicle and driver safety. Inspectors will perform Level I inspections, a comprehensive 37-step process examining both driver and vehicle. Violations in HOS compliance can result in drivers being placed out of service, disrupting freight schedules and impacting your bottom line.

Why HOS Compliance Matters

This year’s spotlight on Hours of Service underscores the ongoing challenge of preventing driver fatigue and maintaining public safety. Even minor errors—like incomplete logs or improper use of ELDs—can lead to serious consequences, including fines, delays, and lower CSA scores. HOS rules govern how long drivers can be on the road, when they must rest, and how their time is tracked—making compliance mission-critical for every carrier and shipper.

Results from the 2024 International Roadcheck

During the 2024 International Roadcheck, 48,761 commercial vehicle inspections were conducted across North America, with 77% of vehicles and 95.2% of drivers passing without out-of-service (OOS) violations. However, 9,345 vehicle combinations and 2,290 drivers were placed OOS—reflecting a 23% vehicle OOS rate and 4.8% driver OOS rate. Top vehicle violations included defective brakes, tire issues, and lighting problems, while leading driver violations involved hours-of-service, lack of a commercial license, and false logs. 

What to Expect This Year

Here’s what shippers and carriers should anticipate during the 2025 Roadcheck Blitz:

• HOS documentation and ELD compliance will be top priorities
• Driver qualifications, including licenses and medical cards, will be scrutinized
• Mechanical checks (brakes, tires, lights) will still be part of inspections
• Carrier capacity may tighten as some drivers pause operations to avoid inspections
• Spot rates may spike, and routing guide compliance could dip temporarily
• Delays in transit are possible due to longer inspection times

How to Prepare

For Shippers:

• Adjust timelines and expectations to accommodate potential delays
• Build flexibility into your routing plans
• Prioritize loads with reasonable transit times and clear compliance expectations
• Communicate openly with carriers about layovers and contingency plans

 
For Carriers:

• Ensure all drivers understand current HOS regulations and can demonstrate ELD proficiency
• Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections and documentation checks
• Remind drivers to stay professional and cooperative during inspections
• Take advantage of the opportunity to prove reliability in tighter capacity markets
• If on an Uber Freight load, contact 24/7 support at (844) 822-8237 or via the app if delays occur

 
DOT Week is a stress test for the entire logistics system—but it’s also an opportunity. By planning ahead, focusing on compliance, and staying calm under pressure, our shippers and carriers can keep freight moving safely and efficiently.

Stay Safe. Stay Compliant. Stay Moving with Uber Freight.