MIAMI, Florida – 1st September 2026 – Simplex Group today released a public fleet control checklist to help motor carriers connect brake maintenance, driver reports and roadside inspection records as the 2026 Brake Safety Week campaign concludes.
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Operation Airbrake program lists Brake Safety Week for Aug. 23–29, 2026, with added attention on brake drums and rotors. Inspectors may also examine air leaks, brake adjustment, linings and pads, damaged components, warning systems and other brake-system conditions.
“A brake repair is not fully controlled until the work is completed, recorded and linked to the report that initiated it,” said a senior safety and compliance specialist at Simplex Group. “A consistent review process can help fleet managers identify recurring defects before the next roadside inspection.”
New Fleet Control Checklist
Simplex Group recommends that fleet managers document the following checks for each active commercial motor vehicle:
- Mechanical status: Confirm that brake components have been examined by qualified maintenance personnel and that identified defects have been addressed.
- Open repairs: Review outstanding brake-related work orders and record the completion date, work performed and responsible maintenance provider.
- Driver reports: Trace brake findings from pre-trip and post-trip reports to documented corrective action.
- Roadside inspections: Enter inspection findings promptly and verify that required repairs are completed before a vehicle returns to operation.
- Repeat defects: Compare findings across vehicles, terminals and maintenance providers to identify recurring conditions.
- Management review: Assign responsibility for reviewing brake-related trends and escalating unresolved items.
The checklist is an educational management resource. It does not replace applicable regulations, manufacturer maintenance instructions or CVSA’s annual North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.
Prior Results Provide a Benchmark
According to CVSA’s 2025 Brake Safety Week results, inspectors conducted 15,175 commercial motor vehicle inspections across 52 North American jurisdictions. They placed 2,296 vehicles out of service for brake-related violations, representing 15.1% of inspected vehicles.
CVSA reported that the leading brake-related out-of-service condition involved 20% or more of a vehicle’s service brakes having an out-of-service defect. That condition accounted for 1,199 violations.
Simplex Group advises carriers to review the complete brake system rather than limiting preparation to the campaign’s drums-and-rotors emphasis. CVSA applies the governing out-of-service criteria when inspectors identify critical vehicle conditions.
About Simplex Group
Simplex Group provides DOT and FMCSA compliance support to motor carriers, including safety-performance monitoring, record organization and operational compliance guidance. Additional information is available at simplexgroup.net.
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