Recent forecasts indicate a major winter storm is expected to sweep across a vast portion of the central and eastern U.S. this weekend, bringing with it heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and dangerously cold conditions. Ice accumulations and snow can create slippery travel conditions, downed power lines, infrastructure stress, and business interruptions, all of which increase liability and operational risk.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has released the schedule for its major commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspection and enforcement campaigns planned for 2026. These initiatives will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico and are designed to improve roadway safety through education, inspections, and targeted enforcement.Below is an overview of the key CVSA campaigns scheduled for 2026.

Big changes are on the horizon for the trucking and logistics industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced it will officially retire Motor Carrier (MC) numbers by October 1, 2025, replacing them with a USDOT-only identification system.Let’s break down what this means, why it’s happening, and how businesses can prepare.

Why It Matters for Fleets and Drivers AlikeEvery year, National Secure Your Load Awareness Day (June 6) reminds professional and personal drivers that a few extra minutes spent tightening straps or closing doors can save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, objects that fall or blow out of vehicles kill about 730 people and injure roughly 17,000 more every year, injuries that are completely preventable.But the stakes go beyond tragic headlines. Road debris cleanup costs U.S. taxpayers up to $11.5 billion annually, and studies estimate 20 - 40 percent of that litter comes from unsecured loads. Insurance carriers and plaintiffs’ attorneys increasingly use those numbers to underscore negligence claims when cargo comes loose.

New Rules Take Effect June 23, 2025 (Federal Level)The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is modernizing the Medical Examiner’s Certification (MEC) process to simplify compliance and reduce paperwork for commercial drivers and motor carriers. This update affects all CDL and CLP holders and brings major changes to how medical exams are submitted, verified, and tracked.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced that this year’s CVSA International Road Check will take place May 13–15, 2025. Over the course of 72 hours, law enforcement agencies across North America, including Michigan State Police’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, will conduct thorough roadside inspections on commercial motor vehicles and drivers.During CVSA International Road Check in 2024, there were over 48,000 inspections conducted. Enforcement officers cited roughly 23% of vehicles with an out of service violation and roughly 5% of the inspections resulted in an out of service driver violation. It is going to be extremely important to approach this time with caution and reduce the chances of our fleets receiving violations by staying aware of a few main areas of focus.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is recognized each year in September, and we’d like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for partnering with OVD Insurance. Thank you for all your dedication, commitment, and hard work to keep our communities moving forward. We are immensely grateful for the essential role you play in every industry, as well as our individual lives.At OVD Insurance, we believe in nurturing a strong sense of community and connection. This week, we want to share our thanks and celebrate your contributions to our shared success.

It’s always important to share the road and drive safely year-round. However, back to school brings an increase in traffic congestion and potential hazards. It is even more critical to be aware of your surroundings in school zones as kids head back to school.

Recently catalytic converter theft has surged across the region leaving vehicle owners vulnerable to significant financial loss and vehicle damage. Considering this alarming trend, it is crucial individuals understand the risks and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles.