How often do you get DOT inspections?

Some inspections will happen.

If you are worried about getting inspected then you are running unsafe. Please get a new career if you are an O/O or move on to another company that will keep your equipment up to spec.

Last inspection blitz I was worried about 3 inches of DOT reflective sticker on my cab mudflap missing. That was it.

Mikeeee

 

OK so a few hours after posting this I got my first side of the road, roadside inspection in Texas (& 1st inspection under my own authority). Just a level 3, but it took 45 minutes... Funny because level 1's in California take 30 minutes...

(I passed)

I think you start at 65 and get points added for tickets (& maybe even stuff they find in the new entrant audit). I got my prepass within a month of my authority and got green lights right away.

If you were a DOT bear and it is 5° and windy, woukd you rather inspect a nice clean new truck that'll probably pass or do you want to spend more time outside inspecting a rattletrap which probably has more violations?

 

This was something my trainer drilled in my head. He told me over and over keep my dash clean, don't pile trash up there. Don't roll through with something OBVIOUS and most importantly know where the scales are at so you are PREPARED. Generally, if you work for a larger company that has prepass you are going to get the green light almost every time, but you should still ensure there aren't any glaring, obvious issues with your truck.

I got told by a safety guy one time the DOT would scrutinize a truck with a bug splattered windshield more than a truck with an obviously clean one. Clearly your mileage will always vary when it comes to the DOT.

unloader

 

I've been with Covenant for a little over 2 years and haven't had any inspections,but that changed quickly. The only thing I can say for sure it is there is a lot variables for getting pulled in for an inspection. Harley Tramp posted the best chance of reducing the chance of being inspected,but it doesn't entirely elimate the chance.

 

The last shop I worked at was a fuel delivery company and those drivers were ALWAYS getting inspected. At one loading rack in DFW local police had their own little DOT inspectors that would sit outside in the parking lot and pull trucks in as they left the loading rack. I understand brakes, wheel seals, unsecured cargo etc. But come on....a license plate light ticket at 1pm?

 

I've had a level one and a level two in a year one was road side

 

Us Hazmat Drivers get a little more, 4 level 3's, 6 level 2's and 2 level 1's in 7 years. Also a level 1 I wasn't even there for. No violations just a warning for faded placards

 

A faded placard, shame on you. Shame.