72 Hour DOT this week...... HOW BAD IS IT???

dieselbear · Jun 7, 2011

Preacher Man said: ↑

My experience actually driving and dealing with dispatch and DOT has been completely different than what I was told in school and training it would be. I was told companies would fire you at the drop of a hat. At my second job I said something about that to the dispatcher and he just shook his head, "Why would I want to fire drivers? I have loads that need to be delivered and to do that I need drivers, so why do I want trucks without drivers?"

As for DOT, they are salaried state workers, I'm not saying they are lazy it's just why do they want to make extra work for themselves? If they waste their time on trucks that look like they are being cared for, then they aren't available for the trucks held together with bailing wire. That isn't to say there aren't those who think their mission in life is to make life as hard as possible on drivers, but CVSA is trying to get rid of those people. They are trying to standardize things. The problem is when you run into an inspector that believes in the letter of the law as opposed to those who follow the spirit of the law.

All that said I would tell any newbie, have your paperwork in order, make sure all 18 tires look good and all your lights work. The paperwork they want is the truck and trailer registration, the truck insurance card, your license, your medical card, an up to date log book and your bills of lading. Make sure you have the last seven days of logs available. Don't look like a slob and clean your truck so that it doesn't look like a pig sty. When he approaches be pleasant, if you're nervous admit it. They aren't out to get you they just want to make sure you and your truck aren't a danger to yourself or others. Carry replacement lights if possible and you will be fine. I've been through three inspections this year alone. Do a good pre-trip every morning and a couple of times throughout the day. If you can fix an issue, do it. If you can't fix the problem call it in to your company and write it up on your DVR. That isn't a red flag to an officer, it's the opposite. If you find issues and write them up it tells the officer you've done your job of inspecting your truck and he doesn't have to do it for you.
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Well said.

lilillill · Jun 7, 2011

Preacher Man said: ↑

I'm not sure the newbies will understand the white sheet reference. On the other side a lot of the posts on this thread should have more than a few hiding under their bunks until Friday.
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I am hiding in my bunk right now. I'm letting my dog drive until Friday--dogs are exempt from DOT blitz inspections.

dino6960 · Jun 7, 2011

look. its simple! do your pre trip, i have done alot of work to my truck since i got it in november of last year. I have found things that do not meet my standards! not let alone dot, will the truck pass inspection, yes! Is my paper work in order yes!...will they pull me in ,yup...I have done everything i can! more than most, if they wana find something , their gona that simple!!!

dave26027 · Jun 9, 2011

I forgot about the Dog exemption! You're right- the sign in our County Jail says "No Pets Allowed". You can't even arrest a Dog for driving!

Sequoia · Jun 9, 2011

Be careful coming through IL on I-80, there's a bear in the air checking logbooks!

rjones56 · Jun 9, 2011

I`m thinking the government must really be broke-3 DOT checks in the hundred or so usual spots I see.Looked like an extremely lite turnout everywhere I went.Still glad I spent 2 days making sure my old truck was ready.Even fixed my AC.Went thru all my paperwork,found everything and put it in its place.Now I think I`m not the only one just barely hanging on.

American-Trucker · Jun 9, 2011

it wasnt as bad as i thought it would be. I only crossed a few scales, lots were closed, green lighted me, or wereplaying the open/close game and i got lucky a few times.

No inspections! yay

There was a bear in the air yesterday in TN watching I-40

American Trucker

hotrod1653 · Jun 9, 2011

I got real lucky. My truck was broke down.. Lol.. Sitting in Dodge City tonight, so i missed out again ..

Seriously though, keep the paperwork in order, make sure the trucks up to snuff and be careful.

AXE · Jun 9, 2011

Only saw one inspection going on, and that was in Kansas. Got the green light everywhere except two places, one I had to cross the scales, the other I didn't. Got pulled into the WY POE but that happens all the time...registration and IFTA card. Did notice more KS State Patrol out and about though.

Omniscient · Jun 9, 2011

I'm hoping for the same luck as usually. The DOT can be complete jerks out here but so far I've been lucky.

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