Most hiring managers know a driver can have a rough morning, miss a gear, or need an extra pull-up during a backing maneuver. What they are trying to determine is whether the person behind the wheel demonstrates the habits they want representing the company every day. That distinction changes how a road evaluation should be approached.

The Inspection Tells a Story Before the Drive Begins

Long before the truck reaches the road, the inspection is already providing clues. A driver who moves methodically around the vehicle often signals something important. The inspection is not being performed because someone is watching. It is simply how that person approaches equipment. The opposite is true as well.

Rushing through a pre-trip may suggest that inspections receive the same level of attention when nobody is standing nearby with a clipboard. That is one reason many safety departments place so much emphasis on this portion of the evaluation.

Before showing up, it is worth reviewing inspection procedures, not because someone may ask questions, but because inspection habits are difficult to fake.

Backing Exercises Often Reveal Patience or the Lack of It

Most experienced drivers know how to back a truck. That is why backing exercises are often less about technical ability and more about judgment.

When a maneuver starts going wrong, does the driver stop and reset? Are mirrors being used consistently? Is there a willingness to take an extra pull-up instead of forcing the truck into position?

Those moments tell evaluators far more than whether the maneuver was completed in one attempt.

Drivers sometimes create unnecessary problems because they are trying to look confident. In reality, patience usually looks more professional than urgency.

Good Habits Stand Out More Than Perfect Driving

Many road evaluations are remembered for a specific mistake. Hiring managers often remember something else entirely.

They remember the driver who maintained a safe following distance for an hour. They remember consistent mirror checks. They remember smooth lane changes and good traffic awareness.

Those habits tend to leave a lasting impression because they reflect how someone is likely to perform week after week. A perfect turn is easy to forget. Consistent driving habits are much harder to ignore.

Questions Are Usually About Judgment

Drivers are sometimes surprised when conversations begin during the evaluation.

A trainer may ask why a lane change was made. A safety representative may ask what was noticed approaching a traffic backup. Occasionally, a question may seem unrelated to the maneuver that just occurred. The purpose is rarely to find a single correct answer.

Companies spend a great deal of time teaching procedures. Teaching judgment is much harder. Questions help reveal how someone processes information, evaluates risk, and reacts when conditions begin to change. That is often the information companies value most.

The Response to a Mistake Matters

Nearly every experienced driver can point to a moment they wish they could redo. What separates strong evaluations from weak ones is often what happens next.

Some drivers allow one mistake to occupy the rest of their attention. The drive becomes more tense, confidence drops, and additional mistakes follow. Others acknowledge the mistake, correct it safely, and move on.

That ability to recover is important because trucking rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Equipment issues, weather, traffic, and customer delays all require drivers to adapt without losing focus. Road evaluations frequently reveal who can do that successfully.

The Best Strategy Is Usually the Simplest One

Drivers sometimes try to perform differently because they know they are being watched. Ironically, that is often where problems begin. The strongest evaluations usually come from drivers who approach the day like any other assignment. They complete the same inspection, follow the same habits, and make the same decisions they would make if nobody were sitting in the passenger seat.

At the end of the day, most companies are trying to answer a simple question. If this driver is handed a truck tomorrow morning, what kind of habits will show up a month from now?

A road evaluation is often the first opportunity to find out.

FAQ

How long does a truck driver’s road evaluation usually take?

The length varies by company. Some evaluations take less than an hour, while others include inspections, backing exercises, and a longer road route.

Do all trucking companies require road evaluations?

No. Some carriers require them for every driver, while others only use them for certain positions or hiring situations.

Is a road evaluation the same as a CDL skills test?

No. A CDL skills test is used for licensing purposes. A road evaluation is a company assessment used to evaluate driving habits, judgment, and overall readiness for the position.

Are backing maneuvers usually included in a road evaluation?

Many companies include backing exercises because they provide insight into vehicle control, patience, and decision-making.

Can one mistake cause a driver to fail a road evaluation?

In most cases, companies focus on overall performance rather than a single isolated mistake. How a driver responds afterward is often part of the assessment.

What documents should drivers bring to a road evaluation?

Drivers should bring any documents requested by the company, including their CDL, medical certification documentation when applicable, and any additional hiring paperwork.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 18, 2026

The post How Truck Drivers Can Prepare for a Road Evaluation appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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.

This year’s grand championship title was taken home by David Coffel, a FedEx Express driver who demonstrated exceptional expertise in both skills and precision behind the wheel.

Special Recognition and Top Awards

Several individual skill-based awards were handed out during the event, with Coffel earning top honors in two categories.

• Grand Champion and Best Skills/Driving Course were awarded to David Coffel, showcasing his outstanding competency in advanced driving techniques.

• Best Pre-Trip Inspection went to Victor Cruz of FedEx Freight, highlighting his attention to detail and commitment to safety procedures.

• The David Messmer Rookie of the Year title was claimed by Harley Hornecker of UPS, a promising newcomer who impressed judges across all phases of the competition.

Representing Team Arizona

Coffel and eight other class winners will represent Team Arizona at the prestigious National Truck Driving Championships in Minneapolis from August 20–23. They’ll join over 430 of the nation’s top drivers to compete for grand national honors and demonstrate their unparalleled talent.

Championship Results by Category

Top finishers in each competition category included drivers from leading companies such as FedEx Express, UPS, Walmart, and XPO Logistics. The results reflect a combination of experience, skill, and passion for excellence in trucking.

Step Van/Package Car

• 1st Place: Juan Rodriguez Torres, FedEx Express

• 2nd Place: Timothy Abercrombie, FedEx Express

• 3rd Place: Myles Mohan, FedEx Express

Straight Truck

• 1st Place: Adam Sheldon, Shamrock Foods Co. (Rookie)

• 2nd Place: Victor Cruz, FedEx Freight (Rookie)

• 3rd Place: Ulric Johnson, FedEx Express (Rookie)

3 Axle

• 1st Place: Raul Acosta, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

• 2nd Place: Radulfo Salgado, ABF Freight Systems

• 3rd Place: Wendi Dodson, UPS

4 Axle

• 1st Place: David Coffel, FedEx Express

• 2nd Place: Gibran Meneses, FedEx Freight

• 3rd Place: Ramon Diaz, FedEx Freight

5 Axle Tractor Trailer

• 1st Place: Zachary Joe, Performance Food Service (Rookie)

• 2nd Place: James Imboden, Performance Food Service (Rookie)

• 3rd Place: Nathan Voss, UPS

Flatbeds

• 1st Place: Ina Daly, XPO Logistics, Inc.

• 2nd Place: Glenn Lougheed, Walmart Supply Chain

• 3rd Place: David Bond, ABF Freight Systems

Tankers

• 1st Place: Greg Ziegler, XPO Logistics, Inc.

• 2nd Place: Juan Hernandez Jr, Circle K (Rookie)

• 3rd Place: Eric Ramsdell, Walmart Supply Chain

5 Axle Sleeper

• 1st Place: Dale Moyle, Walmart Supply Chain

• 2nd Place: Shirley Settles, Walmart Supply Chain

• 3rd Place: Duane Donner, Walmart Supply Chain

Tractor Trailer – Twins

• 1st Place: Sam Smith, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

• 2nd Place: Mohammed Khan, FedEx Freight

• 3rd Place: Roy Hindson, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

Competition Phases

The drivers were tested across three main phases, each designed to assess their expertise and simulate real-world transport scenarios. These include:

1. Written Exam: Focusing on drivers’ understanding of industry-specific regulations, first aid, safety protocols, security measures, and wellness.
2. Pre-Trip Inspection: Evaluating their ability to identify potential safety risks and vehicle equipment defects.
3. Skills/Driving Course: Featuring six challenging obstacles replicating practical situations encountered on the road.

These multi-faceted tests underscored the importance of precision, safety, and adaptability in professional driving.

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: Arizona Trucking Association

The post FedEx Express Driver Named Grand Champion at Arizona Trucking Skills Championship appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.