interesting read about DOT inspections

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Commuter69, May 20, 2015.

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  2. gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

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    Kinda figured that out on my own ... I can't tell you how many times I have gotten hauled around back and asked to see my log or my permit book whatever ... after an easy, quick look over they almost always say "have a good day" and off I go ...

    I drive a 15 year old truck, but I keep it clean, keep new tires lots of tread on them, there is not oil splashing all down the sides, all the lights work. There is nothing obviously wrong with it. Yeah, if they looked real close they could write me up for a leaking rear main seal. It leaks about one gallon per 10,000 miles. I also keep cab tidy and I shower pretty well every day. Appearance and attitude go a long way to avoiding inspection all together ...
     
  3. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Road Train Member

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    Common sense I thought, although I know that evades some people.
     
  4. Arkansas

    Arkansas Medium Load Member

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    Attitude and appearance of yourself and your truck go a long way.
     
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  5. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

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    Sometimes common sense isn't...... common!
     
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  6. Dryver

    Dryver Road Train Member

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    Look at any line of trucks going down the highway and you can tell which ones will get pulled around back. It's not rocket science. Look in a truck stop TV lounge and you can pick out the drivers that have no clue how to act around a DOT officer. Look professional - Be professional and it's surprising how 'lucky' you get not being pulled in or being let go with a thank you from the officer.
     
  7. G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    As said, it should be common sense. Never was a time that I would be delayed in a scale house. Heck, years ago, due to my attitude, I got out of an expensive scale ticket. So keeping one's mouth shut goes a long way.

    Although so many years ago since I have been in trucking school, I vividly remember what my first instructor told the class.

    "99.9 % of your troubles start when you open your mouth"

    Advice well given, and adhered to all these years.
     
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  8. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    I've noticed the Oklahoma I-40, west side inbound scales put those trucks up on the scale, stop them, scrutinize the hell out of the numbers and no telling what all else, then a after a while will decide what light to give them ... maybe as bad or worse then Georgia I-20 west side inbound
    They throw that open sign on, and in 2 minutes they're backed past the off ramp, scaling only about 1 every 60 seconds or so. It's ridiculous.
     
  9. Diesel Blood

    Diesel Blood Bobtail Member

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    A good first impression can make a huge difference. If you keep a clean truck, do a pretrip inspection in the morning, have proper hygiene, dress presentably and treat the inspectors with respect you will spend much less time at the scales.
     
    ch3gui Thanks this.
  10. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    I just went through that in OK yesterday.
    One truck was sitting on the scale for several minutes, but I was too far back to see if he got pulled in.
    I sat for about 15 seconds and then cut loose.
    It took nearly 15 minutes to get through, but some of that may have been due to a huge thunderstorm and torrential rains.

    3 days ago I was pulled in for a Level 2 while going into NM from El Paso, TX.
    I haven't been inspected in a couple years, at any level, but it went fine.
    They were pulling in as many trucks as they could handle, which was 2 at a time.
     
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