When DOT inspections are GOOD for you

They are good when there is no problems found ,good inspections offset bad ones with the new score system

 

honestly IMO you should have noticed that stuff on your pretrip... get under that truck and check it out... what would of happend if they had not inspected you???

 

I'm always amazed that more drivers don't have and use creepers to get under the truck and trailer to really see what it going on. I was assigned a trailer that had been with the company for 2 years, and when I got under it found the owners manuals and warranty info still in a plastic bag rolled and taped to a frame crossmember! The only way you will see this kind of stuff is to get under there and look!

 

ha ha...funny you say that...it wasnt a trailer, but used the laundry room here at the company yard..and inside one of the dryers was the warranty and usage info IN A PLASTIC BAG taped on the dryer door....INSIDE....!!!!

 

You really get what you give in attitude and treatment. I have only ever had one bad experience in 15 years, and another officer said that my inspector was having a real bad day.


While I agree with others that you need to fully inspect you WHOLE vehicle, sometimes things do slip by. Whether it be bad lighting, impatience, weather problems... Any help in finding issues is appreciated.

 

Had a guy the other day that I stopped, who actually thanked me for placing his truck out of service. On the steering axle, the steering arm and drag link were about to come apart. Looked like it had never been greased, and it was worn really bad. The guy was driving a company truck and had been in the shop within the past week. After talking with the driver for a while, the owner is not one that stays on top of his equipment. Believe it or not, a lot of driver's do thank us for finding stuff that they miss. Some are upset at themselves, but majority state that they were glad I found it so they didn't breakdown or have an accident.

 

Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

 

Or when you have a Shop foreman that goes Drivers are Dummies and would not know what is Wrong with their Trucks even if the Motor Blew apart. Excuse me we are the ones that are drving the Suckers day in day out you see it only when a PM is due or if we arfe screaming something is busted.

This is the same person that swore a Brake Drum with Cracks Thru it was safe to Run. Til I threw it on the floor and it shattered on the floor. He is also the one that swore I was wrong on my rear end that exploded on teh Interstate and caused over 15 grand to repair. Lets see here New housing New Thru Shaft 2 Differantals and also New Power Divider and 4 Axle Shafts yeah I am an Idiot.

 

Those truck and trailer issues will count against you on your csa scores, as well as your companies when dot finds them during an inspection.