The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) annual blitz week aims to ensure Class 8 trucks and drivers are safe on the road. Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) oversees the spring blitz and selects a focus area. The 2026 DOT Blitz focus area on the driver side is ELD (Electronic Logging Device) tampering, and on the trailer side is cargo securement. Transport Services is here to help guide fleets and operators to prepare for the Blitz and ensure that both your trucks and trailers are compliant.
CARGO SECUREMENT
Cargo can be transported via Dry Vans, Flatbeds, or Chassis, meaning each route has a different approach when it comes to cargo securement. (Not sure which trailer is the best fit for your haul? Learn the different trailer types here!)
DRY VAN
Dry Vans are enclosed trailers to protect cargo from external conditions. Although the cargo is enclosed and protected, it is still important to secure the cargo within the walls to prevent damage from sliding.
Most Dry Vans are equipped with E-track on the interior walls. E-track allows straps to be hooked in the track and support cargo within the walls. Improperly secured straps lead to cargo damage and interior equipment damage that includes the floor, wall and doors. Drivers and fleets need to inspect loads before hauling and pull on the straps to ensure cargo is secure.
Cargo can be secured using E-track straps, ratchet straps or load bars. Load bars are wedged vertically between the floor and ceiling of the van to divide, block or brace freight to reduce movement.
FLATBED
Flatbeds are open beds with no walls, just a floor. Naturally, freight on flatbeds tends to come in odd shapes or heights that wouldn’t fit inside a Dry Van. It is emphasized that equipment is secured well on Flatbeds since there are no walls protecting freight from leaving the equipment if not properly secured. This can become more than a hazard for the cargo, but also for the safety of others on the road.
Flatbeds use thick nylon straps that winch on the other side to secure loads. It is best practice to have two straps at the first 10 feet, then a strap every 10 feet thereafter. Edge protectors are placed on sharp edges to prevent straps from tearing.
It’s important for straps to stay in good condition. Signs of fraying or excessive flapping are indicators that the straps should be immediately replaced. Frayed straps will be sought after for the Blitz, so it is best practice to order some extra straps on hand in case of an emergency. Drivers will sometimes use belly straps in addition to their securement to wrap around the middle of loads for extra safety.
CHASSIS
Chassis are the skeletal frame used to haul containers and truck bodies—two of the most common use cases since Chassis do not have a floor. Proficient securement between a Chassis and containers and truck bodies is still relevant for the safety and compliance of a haul.
Chassis requires a four-point tie-down at the corners using rated chains and binders, made to withhold 50% of the equipment’s weight. It is recommended to use ratchet binders over lever binders for efficient securement of the equipment. It is best practice to tug on chains and straps, inspect any loose or hanging parts and always replace parts that could compromise safety and compliance.
ELD TAMPERING
Electronic Logging Devices are mandatory hardware devices in the trucking industry that connect to commercial vehicles’ engines to record drive time and Hours of Service (HOS). This decreases the use of paper logs and automatically tracks units of power, miles and location to ensure the driver is properly following regulations.
ELD’s have been discovered as a catalyst for several rising cases of fraud and tampering. The device manufacturers allow users and companies to self-certify HOS and edit logs, which admits fleets the ability to submit drive time well past the HOS regulations.
ELD tampering will be another key focus for this 2026 DOT Blitz. Ensure your drivers and fleets are following all HOS regulations and devices are up to code.
COMPLIANCE ALL AROUND
Additional checks may be conducted during the Blitz outside of cargo securement and ELD checks. Below are the common checks that the Department of Transportation look for and what fleets should look for during their own inspections to stay compliant.
MECHANICAL SAFETY
- Brakes
- Tires
- Lighting
- Cargo securement — 2026 focus
- Coupling devices
DRIVER COMPLIANCE:
- ELD records — 2026 focus
- HOS
- Valid licensing
- Medical certificates
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Blitz is a 72-hour heightened inspection across the U.S., so you can expect delays over the period. There may be effects like capacity tightening or increased spot rates, as it is natural when events like the Blitz hold up drivers.
Prepare ahead of time to avoid operation stalling amidst the Blitz. The inspection checks are important for keeping everyone safe and compliant across the country. Check over devices and your fleets with multi-point inspection checks.
LET TRANSPORT SERVICES HELP KEEP YOU COMPLIANT
Transport Services is offering DOT Blitz Week deals across all three of our locations in Toledo, Cleveland and Columbus. Let our Mobile Service crew visit your fleet and help conduct truck and trailer inspections for FREE! Our Parts Division is running additional deals on bulk parts pricing to assist your fleet in minor DOT-compliant repairs.
Call or visit us today and bring your equipment in for a FREE FHWA.
CLEVELAND
10499 Royalton Road, Cleveland, OH 44133 | 440.582.4900
COLUMBUS
5211 Krieger Court, Columbus, OH 43228 | 614.851.1888
TOLEDO
6123 Jason Street, Toledo, OH 43611 | 419.442.7600