What is DOT Blitz Week? Everything Trucking Businesses Need to Know
Every year, trucking companies across the country circle one major event on the calendar: DOT Blitz Week—also known as the International Roadcheck. For many in the industry, it’s a stressful time that can lead to fines, out-of-service orders, and unexpected downtime. But with the right preparation, Blitz Week doesn’t have to be a nightmare—it can actually be a compliance advantage.
What is DOT Blitz Week?
DOT Blitz Week is an annual, three-day inspection initiative led by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) in partnership with the FMCSA and law enforcement agencies across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
During this focused enforcement period, tens of thousands of inspections are conducted at weigh stations, rest stops, and roadside checkpoints. It’s one of the largest safety crackdowns in the industry—and every year, it has a specific focus.
What Do Inspectors Look For?
Inspectors conduct North American Standard Level I Inspections, which include:
Driver documentation (CDL, medical card, hours of service logs, etc.)
Vehicle components (brakes, tires, lights, steering, suspension, and more)
Hazmat compliance (if applicable)
The CVSA also chooses a special emphasis each year—past focuses have included brake systems, lighting violations, and hours-of-service compliance. These categories tend to see the most citations.
What Happens If You’re Not Ready?
Here’s the harsh truth:
Over 20% of vehicles inspected during Blitz Week are typically placed out of service
Thousands of drivers receive citations for paperwork, logs, or medical card issues
Even minor violations can damage your CSA score and affect your insurance rates
How 818 Freight Solutions Can Help You Prepare
At 818 Freight Solutions, we help clients prepare for Blitz Week long before the inspections begin. Whether you’re an owner-operator or managing a small fleet, we can:
Review your driver files to make sure licenses, endorsements, and medical cards are current
Audit your vehicle maintenance records so you’re not caught off guard
Help ensure you’re tracking hours of service correctly and storing logs properly
Assist in building an FMCSA-compliant recordkeeping system so you're always audit-ready
When the inspectors show up, you want to be confident—not scrambling.
When is Blitz Week 2025?
Blitz Week typically happens in early May, but the exact dates vary each year. CVSA usually announces them in advance, so be sure to follow industry updates—or subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll keep you posted.
Final Thoughts
DOT Blitz Week isn’t going away—and ignoring it won’t save you. Proactive compliance isn’t just about avoiding citations—it’s about protecting your drivers, your business, and your bottom line.
If you're not sure whether your records or vehicles are ready, let’s talk. A 15-minute check-in now could save you thousands later.
Schedule a compliance review with 818 Freight Solutions today
