Dump Trucks & DOT

Your ###### if you get caught.

 

Here is how you fix your situation.

1. Have a mechanic look the truck over.

2. Have machanic fix the items that the truck must have to pass D.O.T. inspection.

3. Get D.O.T. inspection.

4. Do not over load the truck.

5. Keep the truck maintained.

Follow this guideline and you have no reason to be concerned about the DOT bear.

 

Here is some more advice. FIND A MECHANIC THAT IS NOT BACK LOGGED FOR A FEW WEEKS.

I respect a mechanic that is honest about the time frame he has to work on my truck. If I can not wait I go to another mechanic.

You should not wait a few weeks.

The fact your truck has not had a annual D.O.T. inspection in two years tells me a lot.

 

That truck will be placed OOS if you are caught with it on the road in the condition you described. That being the case, you'll get a pretty big hit on your CSA2010 score, as will the company. That could cause other issues such as triggering actions by the FMCSA, which could include audits of varying degrees.

And that's just if you get caught.

If you have an incident? The other person's attorney will eat you alive, and if there is a serious injury or a fatality involved, you'd likely see the inside of a jail cell.

If the truck sat for all but 3 or 4 days last year, it can sit a while longer until it's fixed and has passed an inspection.

 

Pretty much what was already said. DOT gets a hardon for dump trucks, or at least they did anywhere I've operated one.
It seems pretty apparent you're paid by the ton. Does your state permit lift axles to be added, and, if so, could you feasibly add one?
Other than that, I'd say you're begging to get reamed, if you're operating the way you are. To be honest, I'm half inclined to think this whole thread is troll bait.

 

1) Not sure what the weight laws are in your State, but unless you want tickets for overweight run at the legal weight you can haul.
2) Get your annual done, which will save you $$$$$ on that ticket.
3) From the description you gave your low air warning device works, except for the audible (buzzer). The only requirement is that you have a visual warning device, in other words a light. Under the 121 Brake Standard, all that is required is a visual warning device other than a pressure gauge. Now if your low air warning light and your buzzer does not work that is an out of service condition. My suggestion is if you know what is wrong, get those items corrected, one less thing for someone like me to find and possibly save you money on tickets. Dump buckets from my experience get a lot of attention because the drivers hustle the trucks. The more loads they run, the more money they can make. From where I'm from, some of them drive like arses and run some junky equipment.

 

If they notice! I ran a trailer for over 5 years with no inspection sticker on it (federal highway or state). I was DOTed 3 or 4 times with it not 1 time was it ever brought up. Its "leagal" now.