DOT inspection to get better loads

Time of road side inspections is odd. I've had years between inspections as well as days, even hours between.
good luck

 

Really no. You can call the scale house, but the CVSA guidance is not to do inspections by request.
Of course it's just guidance so it's really up to the scale master, hence to suggestion to call them and ask.

 

New entrant audit doesn't get you a satisfactory rating. Nothing will show on safer for it. That requires a compliance review audit, which is not the same.

 

if they have a HQ nearby go up in personal vehicle and ask them if they’d do an inspection or call.
Explain.

Most already know, you’ll help them by giving an inspection on their side and you one on your side.
Usually they’ll just do a lvl 2 then, (walk around) long as everything looks in order

 

May I suggest that you have your rig in prim & proper working order before requesting an inspection at a weigh station.

Unfortunately I have had a couple of Owner Operator acquaintances do this and they ended up with Buford T. Justice doing the inspection and they failed miserably.

If you are really going to go through with it may sure you give your truck a thorough self-inspection. No rubber brake hoses touching each other when paired together at the brake chambers. All air lines are tight at their respective fittings and properly secured. No brake chamber leaks. Air valves in the instrument panel pass the air brake test and pop out once the air pressure has dropped. Also, the low air pressure warning chime is working, etc. Check all lights, high beams, wipers and wiper washer system. Nothing loose in the steering. No tires that are even close to the minimum specification either.

Just make sure you know it will pass before you get an out of service violation for something stupid.

 

Yup and if your not 110% sure it will pass, cheap insurance is to run to a dealer (yes a dealer) and have them do a nose to tail dot inspection on it. It costs a couple hundred bucks but youed be suprised what a second set of eyeballs can catch and they are going to be motivated to catch even the smallest thing to try and squeeze your wallet.

 

This is a common occurrence when the market is flooded with available trucks. The brokers can get very picky. Some even make demands that can have serious negative consequences to your business.

Some may claim they use the inspection information to help reduce chances of double brokering and fraud or scams. Can't blame them since trucking is such a shady business.

 

Totally agree with you. A second set of eyes is always a good choice and going to the dealer is a smart choice like you said because they are motivated to find issues to make money. Having a tech from the dealership look over the truck can really help when it comes to finding things that may not be an issue right now but could be in the future. Dealers tend to see the same repetitive issues on trucks and having them inspect your truck can be a big money saver for your wallet in the future.

As a mechanic myself I have not always been a fan of taking a truck to the dealer but in this situation I consider it to be a smart choice to spend your money.

 

Just walk into any open scale with your BOL and permit book and volunteer for a paperwork inspection. They just want to see proof that you’re actually running a Truck, and not double brokering their freight. Unfortunately this is what’s it’s come to. Florida will gladly oblige. I recommend them, if you run there.