Things on a truck a cop would look at for a random inspection?

You had to pass a pre-trip to get your cdl, right? Everything you had to show in pretrip, is anything a cop could check. In my one level 1, the cop checked everything.

 

No problem. Most only check lights, brakes, tires, the major stuff. I doubt they check fluid levels and such, but make sure you have your triangles or flares, extinguisher and fuses.

 

My experience is, they'll find what they want to find.
I'm sitting in a truckstop now, and I could put any one of these guys out of service.
It is so totally subjective.

 

Link

Click on the chart it should be large enough to read! This is the general stuff a by-the-book inspection covers!

 

Is the registration legible? Do you have instructions for the electronic logging device, (ELD)?

 

if you are starting a new job, with a new CDL, and if the truck looks as bad as you are saying.....what do you realistically think they will look for..???

a DOT cop can find anything wrong at any time.

if you value that CDL you just got?

maybe look for jobs that have better equipment?

already sounds to me like that company doesn't really care one way or another about YOUR CDL.

make sure you write up everything during your pre-trip, but remember, once you drive it out the yard, you own it.

 

I would add: properly inflated tires, they have infrared sensors that will light up a hot underinflated tire. Audible air leaks. And the most important thing you should check is your ATTITUDE! If the inspector is treated with respect, 99% of the time it will go both ways. Wanna' pull your billy badazz routine with the inspector?? You are on your own.

 

Keeping the attitude in check is the most important thing. If you do as they say you will be fine, as long as the truck is in good working order. Despite what some believe, the DOT is not there to jam you up, they are just making sure you are operating safely.