Dot Truck Inspections

When you have 1500 trucks getting registrations in them are easy. The trucks don't get dropped and swapped all the time. Imagine trying to locate trailers that are dropped and swapped all the time. What state is that trailer in now??? Our trailers are GPS tracked, but imagine the nightmare of getting regs in them every year.

 

I know some of mine on the truck are due or renewal at the end of December. When I asked about this I was told the permitting department would be sending me a qualcomm and that I would have to get to a fax machine to receive copies to put into my permit book.

It's definitely something I want to stay on top of and not get a ticket over.

 

Caught me too. Only day they had been open was Jan 1. Expired night before. Sign said fax machine didn't work. It was all about the revenue.

 

There is no probable cause/reasonable suspicion in Motor Carrier Enforcement. They have the ability at any time with or without(go to jail anyway) you permission to get up in your truck as well as break the seal and get in your trailer. They need no warrants and asking for a supervisor, though a good idea, may very well get you a free ride to the clink. They call this obstruction or failure to obey a lawful order. There are many misconceptions in the trucking world, but this seems to be among the largest. The constitution doesn't come into play until you are arrested and then you still can't say they didn't ask to search the truck. This is due in large part to the crack and meth heads who have killed so many people as well as the drug runners today. Don't give the man a reason and you should be ok, but get an attitude and see what happens. If you get mouthy with a cop, you are sure to get something, and probably deserve it as well.