DOT inspection

It can, if an inspector is strictly going off SAFESTAT scores. We don't always do that.

 

I've had 2 full inspections, 3 walk-around and logbook checks, and several logbook-only checks in the past year.

When I got the full inspections I've been hauling 60 foot wooden beams on my 48 foot trailer. I think the load just draws attention. I also think the previous driver may have had some violations because I was getting inspected like crazy when I started with this truck but haven't been bothered in a while. I get stopped in Oregon and WA just to check my permits but thats usually a 30 second affair. No violations as of yet but I am also extremely picky about the way I run (how my truck looks, how the load looks, logbooks are very neat, truck binder very organized)

 

I know a cop in California that says that one of the first things they look for out there is "all kinds of #### piled up on the dashboard" He also says that he looks at the overall condition of the truck and equipment, If it's all squared away and neat and orderly he rolls it on through but if it's a mess with stuff all over the place he wants a "closer look".

 

I would have to agree to a certain point. I've been working on our truck enforcement team for almost 10 years now and I'd say the last 6 or so I can pretty much tell what trucks are through on a eekly basis and which trucks I haven't seen. If I see a different truck, a truck I haven't seen before, I will inspect them as well. If I have my frequent flyers that are never squared away, I'll continue to do them until they comply. But I agree a junky looking truck is always a good bet that their house isn't in order. That they don't take care of the equipment, log book or their license. Just my observations. And I will admit, some squared away trucks that I have stopped have been messed up as well. Just luck of the draw.

 

I have been very luck so far.. Out of all the 4 yrs driving I have yet to be inspected.. Sure, I have been pulled into scales to check my log book and such, but never a full blown inspection. I guess it is because I always keep my truck as clean as possible inside and out.. Just the other day our former safety director who is also a drive, had a full blown inspection.. He told me it was funny, as the two cops were irritated because they could not find a thing wrong with his truck.. Well it does help that he as many awards, and such for safety, and he knows his tuck inside and out..

 

I've never been inspected. Now that I've said that, I will be.

 

You just gave yourself Karma LOL...

 

I know. Last time I mentioned that my logbook had never been checked, it was checked the next day.

 

I've had 7 or 8 level 3 inspections. It's completely hit and miss, I had 3 of them in a two week period and have gone months without one.

A little off topic but when you do get pulled in be polite and respectful.

 

I learned a neat trick if you have Prepass. Get behind 4 or 5 trucks if you can and chances are low that you'll get pulled in. On that note it also depends if the scalehouse is going thru an inspection themselves or are doing training. Also don't pass another truck while coming up on a scale. That'll get you pulled in quick.