As freight and logistics continue to evolve, staying ahead of regulatory and technological shifts is essential. At Transflo, we believe in helping our customers lead the future, not chase it. That’s why we’re weighing in on a crucial development in transportation compliance: Level VIII Electronic Inspections. 

So, what are they, and why should you care? Let’s break it down. 

What is a Level VIII Electronic Inspection? 

Defined by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) in 2017, a Level VIII Electronic Inspection is an automated, wireless inspection conducted while the vehicle is in motion with no need to stop or interact with an officer. 

The new inspection method is designed to gather real-time compliance data remotely. Currently undergoing operational testing by the FMCSA and CVSA, this inspection method could fundamentally change how the industry approaches compliance, safety, and fleet visibility. This potential shift for the entire industry revamps a manual, resource-intensive process into an automated, data-driven system that scales with the growing complexity of modern transportation networks. 

Initial on-road testing began in March 2024 in Mississippi and Kentucky, with the program gradually expanding to include additional states and participating carriers.  

What will it check? 

These inspections will validate a comprehensive range of compliance data points in real-time, including: 

• Descriptive location with GPS coordinates  
• Power unit registration  
• Driver license status and class  
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate and Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE)   
• Current driver’s current record of duty status (RODS) and hours-of-service (HOS) compliance 
• USDOT number and operating authority  
• Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) compliance 
• Federal out-of-service orders  

This represents roadside inspection intelligence at scale, with potential compliance checks on thousands of vehicles daily without requiring a single truck to exit the highway. The system would electronically validate this data against FMCSA databases instantaneously, flagging only those vehicles with potential violations for physical inspection while allowing compliant carriers to continue their routes uninterrupted. 

What about privacy and data security? 

FMCSA has implemented robust data protection protocols for the operational test phase. The agency has published a formal System of Records Notice, ensuring that data collected during testing is subject to the same stringent privacy and security regulations as traditional inspection data. 

During the current test phase, data is being used exclusively for analytical purposes to evaluate system functionality and will not impact participating carriers’ CSA scores, safety ratings, or operational records. This research-focused approach allows the industry to assess the technology’s capabilities while addressing concerns about data usage and fairness before any permanent implementation decisions are made. 

Importantly, participation in the operational test remains entirely voluntary, currently limited to nine carriers who have agreed to contribute to this groundbreaking research. This controlled environment ensures that lessons learned can be applied to create a system that balances enforcement needs with industry operational realities. 

Why this matters for the industry 

The numbers tell a compelling story: while the number of interstate motor carriers has increased by one-third over the past four years, the volume of inspections has declined. Currently, about 3 million roadside inspections are conducted annually, which is a fraction of the daily commercial vehicle movements across America’s highways. Perhaps more concerning, National Academies research revealed that only 39.2% of active motor carriers have sufficient inspection data for accurate safety assessment under the current CSA program. 

Level VIII inspections have the potential to bridge this critical data gap by dramatically increasing inspection volumes many times over while reducing congestion and minimizing operational disruptions for compliant carriers.  

The economic implications are equally significant. According to FMCSA studies, a simple weigh station bypass saves approximately half a gallon of fuel and 3-5 minutes of time. That translates to $13.53 in operating costs per bypass when adjusting for 2025 dollars. When multiplied across millions of annual inspections, the efficiency gains become transformative. 

For carriers, the Level VIII program offers a unique opportunity to actively improve CSA scores through increased inspection frequency. Since CSA scores improve primarily through passing inspections, the higher inspection rate could help compliant carriers reduce elevated scores more quickly than ever before. This translates directly to the bottom line through: 

• Lower insurance premiums stemming from improved safety ratings  
• Reduced nuclear verdict exposure in litigation scenarios 
• Enhanced broker and shipper partnerships due to demonstrated compliance 
• Minimized out-of-service events that can cost thousands per day in lost revenue 

Amid increasing operating costs that have reached all-time highs of $1.779 per mile when excluding fuel, every dollar made and mile driven matters. 

Operational considerations and industry readiness 

As the pilot program evolves, several operational questions are emerging that will shape implementation strategies: 

Technology requirements: While specific technical standards are still being defined, carriers should evaluate their current telematics and ELD capabilities. The system will likely leverage existing electronic logging devices and may require enhanced data transmission capabilities to enable real-time validation. 

Implementation timeline: Current phases focus on proof-of-concept. Future phases will incrementally expand to include the full Level VIII inspection criteria, with each phase informing decisions about nationwide deployment feasibility. 

Geographic coverage: While initial testing is concentrated in four states, the vision includes both fixed inspection sites and potentially “virtual” inspection zones that could provide coverage across broader geographic areas. 

What’s next? 

As the pilot program advances through its phases, critical policy decisions remain on the horizon: 

• Voluntary vs. mandatory participation: While currently voluntary, will electronic inspections become a requirement for interstate commerce? 
• Technology standards: What specific technical capabilities and certifications will be required from technology providers and carriers? 
• Inspection frequency: How often might a single vehicle or driver undergo electronic inspection, and how will this data integrate with existing CSA methodologies? 
• Incentive structures: What benefits or preferences might be offered to early adopters or consistently compliant carriers? 

At Transflo, we’re actively monitoring these developments and engaging with industry stakeholders to understand the evolving requirements. Our mobile, ELD, and automation platforms are built to adapt to compliance changes while still being flexible and configurable for a carrier’s future needs. As industry standards shift, we’re ready so you don’t get left behind. 

Final thoughts 

Level VIII Electronic Inspections signal a fundamental transformation in how the transportation industry approaches safety and compliance.  

The carriers who begin preparing now and understand the technology, optimize their compliance processes, and partner with forward-thinking technology providers will be best positioned to capitalize on the efficiency gains while avoiding the scramble that often accompanies regulatory transitions. 

Whether you’re a fleet leader evaluating technology investments, a compliance manager preparing for new inspection protocols, or a technology partner assessing integration requirements, the time for strategic planning is now. 

Are you ready for the future of inspections? 

At Transflo, we are. And we’re here to help you navigate this transformation with confidence. Our commitment extends beyond providing technology. We’re your partner in understanding, preparing for, and succeeding in the evolving regulatory landscape. 

Stay tuned to the Transflo blog for continued updates, strategic insights, and practical guidance on the industry trends shaping tomorrow’s transportation ecosystem. If you’d like a consultation on how your fleet can optimize for both current compliance requirements and future inspection readiness, reach out to us here. 

TL;DR

Level VIII Electronic Inspections are automated, wireless compliance checks conducted while trucks are moving, so there are no stops required. Currently being tested by FMCSA/CVSA since March 2024, these inspections validate driver credentials, hours-of-service, registration, and other data in real time.

While the trial is currently limited, the system could dramatically increase inspection volumes, improve CSA scores for compliant carriers, and save significant time and fuel costs. The technology represents a major shift from manual roadside inspections to automated, data-driven compliance monitoring.