NYS DOT

The number of marker lights out and mud flaps missing alone tells me that DOT doesn't really care. They just assume everyone has a problem, so they could just pull over anyone.

 

Dude, you live in Ohio. The only place in the lower 48 that I've passed a highway patrol car going the opposite way, only to have him throw on the lights, and chase me down...to give me a Level 3 on the shoulder. I worked for TMC at the time and had just washed the truck the day before...can't exactly say they're running crap equipment. Wound up giving me a securement ticket because I didn't have 2 straps on the front 2 pallets of shingles (I did, but they were UNDER the tarp).

Yet a container hauler driving a ratted out Volvo with half the plastic cracked and flapping, with NJ or IL plates, is just straight ignored.

 

I'm half convinced that they want to inspect the 'good looking' equipment because it will be an easy inspection with few if any violations to write up. And yeah, my first and worst inspection was in OH.

 

Everybody complains about the Ohio DOT, but I have never had a issue during any inspection. Heck even when I was hauling heavy iron and grossing over 100,000lbs. they were cool guys to deal with. Of course that was only if you had your act together and just let them do their deal. Had a couple of buddies try to throw a fit cause the officers wouldnt count two Reitnouer tiedowns that were starting to crack...those drivers got put through the wringer with decent size fines after it was over.

 

This tax, called HUT, has been around a LONG time, well before I started trucking 13 years ago.

 

I didn't have any issues during inspection, other than him citing me for not enough securement, even after I peeled the tarp back to show him the 2 straps on the front 2 pallets. His contention was that I should've strapped over top the tarp so he could've seen them, which at TMC will get you severely lectured. I think he was just having a bad day It still does remain the only state where a LEO has hung a u-turn through the median to inspect me when travelling in the opposite direction, however, and it wasn't at all like I was the only truck on the road.

 

You should submit a Data-Q. Once you do, it is forwarded to the inspecting officer and his department. He'll have to explain his reasoning for writing a bogus violation, and it won't look good for him. Plus you'll have the points and citation removed.

 

Not to be TOO sarcastic, but: HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAHAHA! Have you ever tried to DataQ anything??? The supervisor will always "Stand behind his officer's professionalism and qualifications" The data Q process is like asking the ####roach colony to guard your food.

 

10-12% (depending on the quarter) of DQ's are reversed. BUT over 80% are non-starters and tossed before being reviewed. Most of these are challenges with no supporting documentation. And for the record, a driver statement is not considered supporting documentation and they state this very clearly but people still take the time to throw the spaghetti on the wall to see if it will stick.

If anyone can find it please post. There was an article I read last year about revenue generating violation for trucks per million miles. What I remember is IN was #1 and IL and CA where in the 40's. Can't remember where NY was but do know that it wasn't in top 10. It struck me as odd that the top 10 where all west of IN and mostly northern states like MT, MN, ND, SD. Maine was only east coast in top 10.

I'll keep looking.

 

It's better to be quiet and regarded a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Might want to take a look at this thread that recounts my experience with the Data-Q process. Thanks for playing.