DOT CLOWNS

When I lived in MT about the only time we had trouble was if someone mouthed off at the Lima scale. Then we’d all have to avoid it for a while, had to go up through Salmon going to Missoula and Kalispell.

 

They probably have your plate flagged or something, which doesn’t make sense if you get clean inspections. I was just out there for a month pulling short loads of fertilizer out of Billings and I thought for sure I’d get it at Laurel at least once but they never called me in and I was crossing each direction a couple times a day.

 

Man, you got something written on your forehead? They got your number.

My first ever DOT inspection was at westbound I90 coming into Billings. I swore the guy was pissed that he couldn't find anything. I figured it was just my imagination at the time, but every other inspection I've had since has been out east, and those guys have all been cool.

 

Butte pulled me in for a level 2 tonight. Officer was pretty good.

I run the I-15 corridor from Utah up through Montana and usually don’t have any trouble with DOT in Montana. It’s Utah and Idaho who give me the most attention.

 

I was getting harassed all the time. I finally started asking each time, if there was some reason I always get pulled in or pulled over. I really started to wonder if I were on some kind of list. Lol. Kentucky pulled me in, and the Officer says, “ Man you sure do get inspected a lot”. I replied “ Yes Sir, and I never get a break”. He handed my permit book back without checking it, and said have a nice day!! Lol. Haven’t been hassled much since. First 10 yrs in Business, I had 62 inspections. Maybe 5 in last 6 yrs. if that. I agree about the quick spot checks, no paperwork. Makes me mad. What’s worse is passing a Level 1 and not getting a sticker. I used to welcome inspections, priding myself on being legal. It’s the nitpicking that I can’t afford. Time wise or money wise. One Truck Operation can get in trouble real fast. Makes you want to quit Trucking. Being treated like a Criminal, all the while being hyper safety aware. Trying to put a Guy like Me out of Business, while Megas are sending Drivers out that aren’t qualified.

 

Armington... Every. Trip.

 

Only speeding violation I ever got was at the Lima scale... for part of my trip in California!