Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts Brake Safety Week, a seven-day initiative when commercial motor vehicle inspectors conduct inspections of brake components, removing vehicles found to have brake-related and out-of-service violations until corrected. CVSA has scheduled this year’s Brake Safety Week for August 20-26, emphasizing brake lining/pad violations.

The goal of Brake Safety Week is to highlight the importance of braking systems. Throughout the week, while conducting their usual inspections, certified inspectors will report brake-related violation data to be compiled and published this fall.

As a result of this event, carriers may experience unexpected inspections, delayed deliveries, and additional potential disruptions. Luckily, Echo is prepared for necessary events of this nature and is readily equipped to continue to be your transportation partner and communicate any delays should they arise. Echo's unmatched reporting capabilities ensure you stay up to date at all times and get the best service and capacity solutions for your business.

In April, CVSA conducted Brake Safety Day, inspecting 6,829 commercial motor vehicles across North America. Inspectors found violations on just over 11% of these vehicles, restricting them from travel until the violations were corrected.

Here are some of the things inspectors look for:

• Missing, non-functioning, or cracked parts
• Contaminated, worn, cracked, and missing linings or pads
• Audible air leaks around brake components and lines
• Slack adjusters must be the same length (from center of S-cam to center of clevis pin) and the air chambers on each axle must be the same size
• Brake systems must maintain air pressure between 90-100 psi (620-690 kPa)
• Non-manufactured holes from rust, rubbing, or friction, and broken springs in the spring brake housing section of the parking brake
• Brake system warning devices, such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction lamps, and low air pressure warning devices, must function properly
• Breakaway system must be operable on the trailer

“The focus of this year’s Brake Safety Week is on the condition of the brake lining and pad,” said CVSA President Maj. Chris Nordloh with the Texas Department of Public Safety, in a statement. “Brake lining and pad issues may result in vehicle violations and could affect a motor carrier’s safety rating.”

Safety awareness and education are major components of Brake Safety Week, according to CVSA. Outlining the above measures which inspectors look for helps the Alliance maintain transparency with drivers and carriers in an effort to encourage trust, communication, and proactive action to make sure vehicles comply with all safety and quality standards.

Additionally, Echo's dedicated support team and logistics experts will continue to provide you with outstanding service throughout this initiative. Count on Echo to simplify your transportation needs, particularly through this upcoming Brake Safety Week.

To find out more about how Echo can steer your business through disruptions, contact an expert today.