Get Ready for DOT Blitz Week 2025: Focus on Hours of Service
Apr 28, 2025
Get Ready for DOT Blitz Week 2025: Focus on Hours of Service
Each spring, carriers and drivers across North America prepare for one of the most important safety initiatives in the trucking industry—International Roadcheck Week. Also commonly known as DOT Blitz Week, the event will take place May 13-15, with a special emphasis on Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
Conducted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada and Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation, the International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume inspection event that promotes commercial motor vehicle safety across North America.
What to Expect During DOT Blitz Week 2025
During this 72-hour period, inspectors throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico will conduct approximately 15 vehicle inspections every minute. The primary focus this year? Hours of Service compliance—a critical aspect of preventing driver fatigue and ensuring roadway safety.
Inspectors will be performing Level I Inspections, the most comprehensive type, which includes a 37-step process examining both the driver and vehicle. Drivers found in violation of HOS rules may be placed out of service, leading to costly delays and disrupted operations.
Other aspects inspectors may review include:
- Driver’s license
- Medical examiner’s certificate
- Record of duty status (RODS)
- ELD compliance
- Vehicle mechanical fitness (brakes, tires, lights, etc.)
Why Hours of Service Compliance Matters
The CVSA chose Hours of Service as the focal point for DOT Blitz Week 2025 to underscore its essential role in reducing fatigue-related incidents. In previous Roadchecks, HOS violations have consistently ranked among the top driver out-of-service infractions. Proper adherence helps protect your drivers, your freight and the motoring public.
Hours of Service regulations determine:
- Maximum driving limits
- Required rest breaks
- Off-duty time before a new shift begins
Even unintentional HOS violations—like outdated logbooks or incorrect ELD use—can lead to penalties and damage your CSA scores.
How to Prepare for DOT Blitz Week 2025
To ensure a smooth inspection process and avoid unnecessary fines or delays, fleets and drivers should:
- Review and understand current Hours of Service regulations
- Double-check RODS and ELD data for accuracy
- Ensure drivers have access to supporting documents and understand how to present them
- Conduct pre-trip inspections to ensure equipment is up to par
- Educate drivers on how to handle roadside inspections professionally
NTG’s Role in Keeping Freight Moving
At NTG, we know that safety and compliance are more than just a checkbox—they’re key to long-term success in supply chain and transportation. We help our carrier partners stay informed on regulatory updates like DOT Blitz Week 2025, and we work with our shippers to proactively prepare for potential service disruptions during peak inspection periods.
Whether you’re a carrier looking to stay compliant or a shipper trying to minimize delays, NTG can help you navigate the road ahead with confidence.
Stay Compliant. Stay Ahead.
Prepare now to keep your trucks—and your business—moving throughout DOT Blitz Week 2025.
Contact us to learn how NTG helps shippers and carriers stay road-ready all year long.
