What You Need to Know About DOT Blitz Week 2025

How Journey Freight helps carriers and shippers stay prepared, protected, and moving

Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts its International Roadcheck, a 72-hour enforcement initiative commonly referred to as DOT Blitz Week. In 2025, it runs from May 13–15 across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. For carriers, it’s a time of heightened scrutiny. For shippers, it can impact everything from delivery windows to freight costs.

What Is DOT Blitz Week?

CVSA Roadcheck is the largest commercial vehicle enforcement operation in North America. During the event, inspectors perform an average of 15 inspections per minute, stopping tens of thousands of trucks and drivers for compliance checks at weigh stations, inspection sites, and along highways.

Last year there were 48,761 inspections, where inspectors discovered “13,567 vehicle, 2,714 driver and 163 hazardous materials/dangerous goods (HM/DG) out-of-service violations, and placed 9,345 commercial motor vehicle combinations and 2,290 drivers out of service. The total overall vehicle out-of-service rate was 23%, and the driver out-of-service rate was 4.8%.” — CVSA

In 2023, inspectors conducted over 59,000 inspections, placing 19% of vehicles and 5.5% of drivers out of service due to violations. In 2022, nearly 13,000 vehicles and 4,000 drivers were pulled from service during the 3-day window.

What Are Inspectors Looking For in 2025?

This year’s CVSA Roadcheck is placing special emphasis on two areas:

• Tires – Inspectors will focus on tread depth, inflation, sidewall integrity, and signs of improper repairs or damage. Tire violations accounted for 20% of out-of-service infractions in previous Roadchecks.
• Records of Duty Status (RODS) – Inspectors will review driver logbooks and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to ensure Hours of Service compliance. RODS violations remain one of the top reasons drivers are taken out of service.

What Shippers and Carriers Should Expect

• Reduced Capacity – Many drivers choose not to run during DOT Blitz Week, either taking time off or scheduling maintenance. This temporarily shrinks available capacity.
• Spot Rate Increases – When truck availability tightens, spot rates climb—especially for urgent or time-sensitive loads.
• Delays from Inspections – Even compliant trucks can be held up for inspection. These delays add up and may affect transit times.
• Post-Event Congestion – After the blitz, expect a short-term surge in freight volume as carriers catch up on delayed shipments.

Tips for Navigating DOT Blitz Week

Whether you’re managing freight or moving it, a bit of planning goes a long way during Roadcheck.

For Shippers:

• Ship Early When Possible – Moving freight before May 13—or pushing less time-sensitive loads to the following week—can help avoid delays and spot rate spikes.
• Secure Capacity in Advance – Don’t wait to book. Carriers may have limited availability, and last-minute loads could become more expensive or harder to cover.
• Expect Adjusted Transit Times – Even fully compliant carriers may face delays from extended inspection times. Build in buffer days when scheduling critical shipments.
• Maintain Open Communication – Stay in close contact with your providers. Confirm load details, ETAs, and coverage earlier than usual to reduce last-minute surprises.

For Carriers:

• Double Down on Maintenance – Now is the time for preemptive checks—especially on tires and ELD/log accuracy, the two main focus areas for 2025.
• Audit Records of Duty Status (RODS) – Ensure logs are complete, correct, and compliant. Inconsistent or falsified entries are a leading cause of driver out-of-service violations.
• Coach Drivers on Inspections – Provide clear instructions on what to expect during a Level I inspection. Have documents organized, equipment ready, and ELDs functioning.
• Plan Routes Thoughtfully – While inspections are nationwide, some areas see heavier enforcement. If your operation allows, avoid known blitz-heavy corridors.
• Communicate Delays Promptly – If a driver is held up or placed out of service, notify all stakeholders immediately to coordinate recovery and avoid customer disruptions.

Final Takeaway

DOT Blitz Week is about safety, not penalties—but it can still disrupt operations for both carriers and shippers who aren’t prepared. With some planning, clear communication, and a sharp eye on compliance, it’s entirely manageable.

This year’s focus on tires and driver logs makes preparation even more straightforward. Tackle those early, and you’re already ahead of the game.

As the industry heads into May 13–15, take steps now to keep your freight moving and your drivers rolling—safely and efficiently.

Roadcheck Week doesn’t have to be a disruption—if you’ve got the right partner.

Need help planning for DOT Blitz Week?
Reach out to your Journey Freight representative today or email carriers@journeyfreight.com