Operations alert and response center

From weather emergencies to supply chain disruptions and more, Element Fleet Management has you covered. We actively monitor emergencies and service interruptions so our experts can help keep your fleet ahead of the pack.

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Fuel volatility alert: Key impacts and recommended actions

Over the past two weeks, fuel markets have shifted sharply amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. As energy remains a primary driver of fleet operating costs, we’ve outlined the key considerations below to help our clients quickly assess operational impacts and near-term priorities. While markets are reacting quickly, we expect this volatility to be short-term in nature.

Where you’ll see impact Fuel: The immediate pressure point

Prices are already responding and could swing 10 to 15% depending on geopolitical developments. Even if crude moderates in the coming months, near-term volatility will flow through key operational areas, including:

Higher per-mile operating costs
Freight and carrier surcharge escalation
Increased variance vs. annual fuel budgets

Maintenance: The secondary ripple effect

Fuel shocks often extend beyond fuel; oil-linked inputs are already tightening:

Lubricant suppliers shortening quote validity periods
Tire pricing under pressure due to synthetic rubber exposure
Rising Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and other essential fluids
Selective backorders on filters and plastic-based components

For most fleets, this won’t mean widespread shortage; it’s more likely to show up as gradual price increases and the occasional delay on specific items. With a bit of forward planning and inventory discipline, these are manageable and shouldn’t materially impact uptime.

Freight and upfit timing

Shipping disruptions are increasing, which may affect parts lead times and specialty upfits over the next one to two quarters.

What to focus on now

We can partner with you across each of the priorities below to help mitigate risk and protect operating performance:

Reinforce idle, routing, and speed governance controls
Maintain disciplined preventive maintenance to protect uptime
Maintain a fuel budget contingency of 10 to 15%
Normalize replacement cycles to avoid deferred maintenance spikes
Expand EV deployment selectively where duty cycles and infrastructure support ROI

This current volatility cycle is being driven primarily by energy risk, rather than a deterioration in demand or credit conditions.

As a proactive partner, we’re committed to helping clients stay ahead of change. We will continue to closely monitor market developments and share timely updates and guidance as conditions evolve.

Upcoming International Roadcheck: what you need to know and how to prepare

To help you stay ahead, we want to make you aware that the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled this year’s International Roadcheck for May 12–14. During this concentrated 72-hour enforcement initiative, inspectors across North America will be actively conducting roadside inspections at weigh stations and pop-up locations, with a focused review of vehicle condition, cargo securement, and driver compliance.

To help you stay prepared and minimize operational disruptions, here’s what inspectors will be focusing on: What to expect during inspections

Most inspections will follow the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a comprehensive 37-step review that includes both driver documentation and vehicle condition.

Driver compliance checks will include:

Valid driver’s license and qualifications
Record of Duty Status (RODS)
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) compliance
Medical examiner’s certificate
Seat belt use
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status (U.S.)
Signs of alcohol or drug impairment

Drivers with out-of-service violations may be restricted from operating their vehicles until issues are resolved.

Vehicle inspections will review:

Brake systems
Cargo securement
Coupling devices
Driveline components
Fuel and exhaust systems
Frames, steering, suspension
Tires, wheels, rims, and hubs
Lighting
Windshield wipers
Driver’s seat

Passenger carriers will also be evaluated for emergency exits, seating, and electrical systems. Vehicles identified with out-of-service violations will not be permitted to operate until corrected. Units that pass without critical violations may receive a CVSA decal valid for up to three months.

Who this applies to This initiative applies to clients operating regulated Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs). Under federal regulations, this includes vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), or Gross Combined Weight (GCW) over 10,000 lbs, as well as regulated drivers, including both Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and non-CDL drivers.

2026 focus areas Each year, CVSA places special emphasis on specific compliance areas.

Driver Focus: ELD tampering, falsification, or manipulation of Records of Duty Status. In 2025, falsification of records of duty status was the second most-cited driver violation, totaling 58,382 violations. Additionally, five of the top 10 driver violations were related to hours-of-service or ELD compliance. Inspectors will be reviewing records carefully for improper entries or inconsistencies.
Vehicle Focus: Cargo securement, following significant violations related to unsecured cargo and vehicle components in recent years.

Data collected during this year’s inspection period will be released later in the year.

Recommended preparation steps

To help ensure smooth operations during the Roadcheck period, we recommend:

Conducting pre-Roadcheck internal audits of driver logs and Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) data
Reinforcing hours-of-service compliance practices
Reviewing cargo securement procedures and training
Performing preventative maintenance checks on critical vehicle systems
Ensuring all driver documentation is current and easily accessible

Proactive preparation now can help you avoid costly out-of-service violations, unexpected delays, and operational disruption. A quick compliance check today can keep your drivers, vehicles, and documentation inspection-ready.

Have questions about Roadcheck or compliance readiness? Please reach out to your Element representative for support.

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