Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck places fleets under the microscope. From May 13 to May 15, 2025, enforcement agencies across North America will focus specifically on tire condition and false records of duty status (RODS). The scale of this inspection event is unmatched, with inspectors conducting an average of 15 vehicle inspections per minute across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In 2024, nearly 50,000 inspections were conducted, resulting in 23% of vehicles being placed out of service due to violations.
The consequences of non-compliance are significant: fines can reach thousands of dollars per occurrence, carriers risk receiving downgraded safety ratings that limit freight opportunities and increase insurance costs, and out-of-service designations cause costly downtime and disrupt logistics operations. As fleet operators know too well, reactive fixes are expensive and unsustainable.
This is where advanced telematics solutions like FleetPulse come into play. FleetPulse provides an integrated approach to trailer fleet visibility, asset management, and, most critically, trailer maintenance monitoring. Here’s how telematics can help carriers proactively manage risks and avoid violations during DOT Week and every week.
The Role of Telematics in Trailer Maintenance Compliance
Tire Pressure Monitoring: Minimizing the Risk of Out-of-Service Orders
Tires are under heavy scrutiny during DOT Week inspections. FleetPulse provides instant visibility into tire health by flagging any trailer with Tire Inflation Systems (TIS) active for more than 10 minutes, a potential indicator of a slow leak. Addressing this early can prevent blowouts and the costly consequences of a failed roadside inspection.
ABS Fault Detection: Identifying Brake System Risks Before They Escalate
Brake issues remain a leading cause of vehicle out-of-service violations. FleetPulse’s platform captures and decodes ABS fault codes in real time. By providing actionable alerts, fleet managers can schedule maintenance proactively and reduce the risk of unexpected failures.
Lighting System Monitoring: Staying Ahead of the Small Issues That Trigger Big Problems
Lighting violations are among the most common reasons for DOT citations. FleetPulse detects abnormal current levels, which may indicate bulb failures or wiring issues. Real-time notifications help maintenance teams resolve these issues long before an inspection occurs.
Maintenance Logs and Alerts: Creating a Culture of Preventive Compliance
FleetPulse consolidates trailer maintenance data, helping operators track service histories and set up customized alerts. Predictive analytics and maintenance reminders allow fleets to avoid unnecessary downtime and meet compliance standards consistently.
Optimizing Trailer Operations Beyond DOT Week
A Holistic Approach to Trailer Maintenance Management
The power of FleetPulse extends beyond just individual trailer repairs. By combining OEM and aftermarket sensor data with AI-driven insights, FleetPulse enables fleet managers to reduce idle time, optimize utilization, mitigate cargo theft risks, and maintain operational excellence across entire trailer fleets.
From providing emergency alerts for drivers to integrating seamlessly with fleet management systems, FleetPulse transforms reactive trailer maintenance into a proactive and data-driven strategy.
Preparing for the Future of Trailer Fleet Management
As the regulatory environment becomes increasingly complex and operational margins tighten, the value of predictive and actionable intelligence will only grow. FleetPulse demonstrates how advanced telematics can transform trailer maintenance from a reactive, cost-heavy function into a strategic advantage.
Carriers embracing this approach will be better prepared not only for the concentrated scrutiny of DOT Week 2025 but also for the continuous demands of safe, compliant, and efficient operations throughout the year.
