Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts its International Roadcheck – more commonly known across the industry as DOT Blitz Week. For carriers, brokers, and shippers alike, it’s one of the most important weeks of the year to prepare for.

This year’s DOT Blitz Week will take place May 12–14, 2026, with inspectors across the United States, Canada, and Mexico conducting detailed inspections of trucks, trailers, and drivers.

While the event only lasts 72 hours, the impact can ripple across the supply chain through tighter capacity, higher spot rates, and potential shipment delays.

What Is DOT Blitz Week?

The CVSA International Roadcheck is an annual enforcement initiative focused on improving highway safety and identifying compliance issues across commercial fleets.

During the event, inspectors perform roadside inspections that can place drivers out of service if violations are found. Even compliant carriers should expect inspection-related slowdowns, with stops often lasting 45–60 minutes per inspection.

For shippers, that means planning ahead is critical.

2026 Focus Areas: ELD Compliance and Cargo Securement

Each year, the CVSA highlights specific inspection priorities. In 2026, inspectors will focus heavily on:

• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) compliance
• Cargo securement practices

Inspectors will review records of duty status for signs of ELD tampering, falsification, or manipulation. On the equipment side, cargo securement violations remain a major concern because improperly secured freight can create dangerous road conditions and increase crash risk.

For carriers, this means additional scrutiny around:

• Hours of service compliance
• Driver log accuracy
• Trailer inspections
• Load securement procedures
• Documentation and registrations

How DOT Blitz Week Impacts the Supply Chain

Even though the inspections are temporary, the market effects can be significant.

Tighter Capacity

Non-compliant carriers may be taken off the road during inspections, reducing available truck capacity across the market.

That tightening capacity can create challenges for shippers trying to move freight during the week of May 12–14.

Spot Rate Increases

As capacity tightens, spot market pricing often rises. Shippers moving uncovered freight during DOT Week may see premium pricing compared to normal market conditions.

Delivery Delays

Even compliant drivers can experience delays due to inspection lines at weigh stations and checkpoints. A single stop can delay a shipment by nearly an hour.

For time-sensitive freight, additional appointment flexibility may be necessary.

Tips for Carriers Preparing for DOT Week

Preparation is the best way to avoid costly violations and disruptions during International Roadcheck Week.

Before drivers depart, carriers should:

• Confirm CDLs are current
• Review ELD data
• Avoid dispatching drivers near HOS limits
• Conduct full pre-trip inspections
• Inspect cargo securement
• Verify registrations and documentation are current and accessible

If a driver is pulled over during an inspection:

• Remain calm and cooperative
• Expect the inspection to last approximately 45 minutes
• Immediately report delays, citations, or out-of-service orders to dispatch or logistics partners

How Shippers Can Prepare

Shippers can minimize disruption during DOT Blitz Week by planning proactively.

A few best practices include:

• Secure freight earlier than usual
• Build flexibility into pickup and delivery windows
• Communicate proactively with carriers and logistics partners
• Monitor critical shipments closely throughout the week

The earlier freight is covered, the more likely shippers are to avoid capacity shortages and spot market spikes.

How EASE Logistics Supports Customers During DOT Week

At EASE Logistics, our team closely monitors market conditions throughout International Roadcheck Week to help customers stay ahead of disruptions.

From securing reliable capacity to providing increased shipment visibility and communication, our goal is to keep freight moving – even during high-disruption periods.

If your team has questions about preparing for DOT Blitz Week 2026 or wants help securing capacity ahead of the event, connect with the EASE Logistics team today.