This year’s numbers show both progress and areas that still need attention. CVSA inspected 30,060 vehicles through Level 1 inspections, placing 7,289 trucks out of service and 1,706 drivers off the road. That calculates to 24.2 percent of vehicles and 5.7 percent of drivers failing, though many trucks and drivers had multiple violations, so percentages don’t tell the whole story.

It’s important to remember that the inspection sample isn’t a perfect reflection of every truck on the road. Local jurisdictions select which trucks to inspect based on their own criteria. Some inspect every tenth truck, others focus on older trucks or certain fleet types, such as logging trucks or garbage haulers.

Still, Roadcheck 2025 sheds light on recurring safety concerns:

• Tires: 2,899 trucks were taken out of service due to tires being unsafe for the road. Despite months of notice that tire inspections would be emphasized, bad tires still accounted for 21.4 percent of out-of-service orders, an easy problem to catch with pre-trip checks
• Brakes: Brake system violations led the out-of-service list at 24.4 percent. Some brake checks are simple, like gauges and trailer gladhand inspections, but other components under the truck require more attention
• Lights: Lighting issues caused 12.8 percent of out-of-service orders. In the U.S., the rate was 13.9 percent, while Canadian inspections logged 6.3 percent and Mexican inspections 8.8 percent. Another reminder to include lights in daily pre-trip routines
• Driver credentials: Hours of service violations accounted for 1,076 out-of-service orders, or 32.4 percent of driver removals, with log falsification alone responsible for 332 cases. Additionally, 810 drivers (24.4 percent) were out of service for not holding a valid CDL, 493 (14.9 percent) for missing medical cards, and 170 (5.1 percent) for suspended licenses
• Hazardous materials: Hazmat violations included 51 out-of-service orders for improper cargo securement, 36 for shipping paper issues, 32 for placarding, and 30 for lack of hazmat training certificates in Canada
• Seatbelts: While not an out-of-service violation, 726 drivers were cited for not wearing seatbelts, highlighting ongoing safety gaps

The good news is that 11,411 tractors and 5,043 trailers passed with flying colors, earning CVSA inspection decals with no critical violations. That still represents only about 81.6 percent of vehicles, showing there’s room for improvement.

Whether you see Roadcheck as a hassle or a wake-up call, it serves a crucial role in trucking safety. Taking unsafe trucks and drivers off the road not only protects your rig and livelihood but also keeps everyone on the highway safer. Pre-trip inspections, proper maintenance, and following regulations aren’t just paperwork; they’re lifesaving steps for truckers everywhere.

Source: The Trucker

The post Roadcheck 2025 Highlights Vehicle and Driver Safety Issues Across North America appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Pushing Boundaries in Extreme Cold
To guarantee that the next-generation VNL truck meets the highest standards of performance, reliability, and driver comfort, Volvo’s testing team braved some of the most severe winter conditions on the planet.

“Alaska is one of the harshest places on Earth to operate a truck, and that is exactly why we are here,” explained Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “We test in extreme environments so when our customers face unpredictable conditions, they can count on their Volvo to perform.”

Testing Beyond the Lab Walls
Every year, Volvo’s cold weather testing team embarks on a demanding journey spanning more than 3,000 miles from Colorado up to Alaska. This extended field test lasts several months and covers a variety of driving conditions, mimicking the real-world challenges truck drivers face daily.

From long-distance highway stretches to congested urban routes with frequent stops, the all-new VNL endures a comprehensive evaluation aimed at refining its capabilities. Experienced professional drivers—many with decades navigating Alaska’s toughest terrains—offer invaluable feedback, paired with real-time data collected by Volvo engineers. This combination allows fine-tuning of everything from engine response to in-cab ergonomics.

The Crucial ‘Cold Soak’ Test
One of the hallmark procedures in this validation process is the “cold soak.” Here, trucks are left outside overnight with engines off, allowing all components to reach Arctic-level subzero temperatures. After 12 hours in this frozen state, the expectation is that the truck will start effortlessly and operate as seamlessly as drivers would need in real, harsh conditions.

Voorhoeve emphasized the importance of this real-world testing approach: “The all-new VNL was designed to change everything and that includes how we approach testing and refinement in real-world conditions – to challenge our trucks and gain insights that would be impossible to replicate in a lab. What we learn in Alaska helps us deliver a truck that is not only innovative but proven where it matters most: on the road, in the real world, and in the hands of our customers.”

Built for North America’s Diverse Environments
According to Volvo’s official press release, the VNL was purpose-built for the wide-ranging North American landscape. Its design draws inspiration from five distinct biomes: urban centers, deserts, prairies, coastal forests, and the Arctic tundra. This ensures the truck is well-equipped for demanding coast-to-coast operations, capable of handling up to 3,000 miles across diverse climate zones.

Image Source: Volvo
Source: The Trucker

The post Volvo Trucks Puts New VNL Model Through Rigorous Arctic Testing appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.