It’s DOT Week: Keep Your Freight on Track With These Tips

Every May, truck drivers and freight carriers across North America brace for a high-alert week — DOT Week, also known as the CVSA International Roadcheck. It's a three-day surge of inspections that can unexpectedly sideline trucks and disrupt delivery timelines, especially for time-sensitive shipments like trade show freight.

This year’s DOT Week runs from May 14–16, 2024. Here’s what you need to know — and how Protrade keeps your freight on track when inspections are in full swing.

What Is DOT Week?

DOT Week is an annual inspection initiative where law enforcement agencies across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico stop and inspect tens of thousands of commercial vehicles. These inspections are part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck, and they’re focused on safety, compliance, and keeping unsafe drivers or equipment off the road.

The inspections are typically Level I — meaning both the driver and vehicle are thoroughly checked. Here’s what’s commonly reviewed:

• Brake systems & lights
• Tires, wheels, and suspension
• Driver credentials & medical certificates
• Hours of service (HOS) compliance
• Drug & alcohol policy enforcement

Each year, CVSA chooses specific focus areas. For 2024, they’re targeting:

• Controlled substance and alcohol possession
• Tractor protection systems and trailer ABS (anti-lock braking systems)

Why It Matters for Trade Show Shipping

When a truck is pulled out of service during DOT Week, it doesn’t just delay the driver — it disrupts your entire timeline.

In trade show and live event logistics, a late shipment can mean:

• Missing your target move-in window
• Paying forced labor rates on-site
• Scrambling to source missing materials or reprinting graphics
• Stressing your install team and risking show penalties

The reality? One inspection can ripple through an entire show plan. That’s why you need a logistics partner who’s already thinking two steps ahead.

How Protrade Prepares for DOT Week

We don’t scramble when DOT Week arrives — we prepare for it like clockwork. Here’s how we keep freight on track when inspections are in full swing:

✅ 1. Carrier Selection

We only work with vetted, safety-first carriers who maintain their trucks, know the regulations, and are ready for inspections. No gray areas, no guesswork.

✅ 2. Pre-Trip Readiness

Before a load moves, we ensure every detail checks out — from the driver’s credentials to the vehicle’s condition. We even make sure route plans avoid high-risk zones where possible.

✅ 3. Built-In Buffers

We adjust schedules to account for delays that may come with inspection hotspots. When needed, we build in extra margin to hit your show deadlines with confidence.

✅ 4. Transparent Communication

If something comes up, you’ll hear it from us first — with photos, context, and a backup plan. We believe in no surprises on the show floor.

What You Can Do Right Now

If your show freight is on the move this week (or anytime near it), here are a few proactive steps you can take:

• Check your delivery window and see if it overlaps with May 14–16
• Ask your freight provider how they’re preparing for DOT Week
• Pad your schedule if you can, especially if shipping long distances
• Communicate with your install team so they’re aware of potential timing shifts

DOT Week is here.
The trucks that are ready roll right through. The ones that aren’t? They wait.

If you want to make sure your freight shows up on time — not in line — let’s talk.