POLL: Are you working during DOT blitz?

Exactly, gokiddogo.

I only do this site when I'm home and looking for something to do, constructive that is, but I've never run across a theme that's really important, at least in my Great American Experiment world. Personal freedom, due process, and reasonable cause, these are big issues, some of the most important in world history.

So a CMV can be subjected to random search and seizure, where no other situation in our country would permit this. Without reasonable cause to stop and search, any other case won't even go into the courtroom. To me, it's perfectly understandable, given how so many drivers just don't do it right, but even so, that fact of being subject to random police intervention is really special for us. I find myself wondering why on one mentions or talks about it? It's really outside the usual law enforcement parameters. Way outside.

One other thing, gokiddogo doesn't share the fear factor because he's working to be compliant. I do as well, and I think a lot of drivers are pretty much doing it right. We just don't hear about the ones who do not fail, crash, mess up, or worse, cause major problems for others. All these rules, inspections, licenses, permits, everything about trucking is supported by tax dollars we pay. And we pay them because of the foolish drivers, the ones who aren't even trying to be compliant, cooperative, or safe. Kinda pisses me off, come to think about it. F...ing hosers, get off the road. J

 

There's a pungent odor of statism in some of these comments praising DOT and FMCSA.

 

The TA/Petro trucks stops are offering free mid trip inspections from now thru the Blitz.
It is a pretty lightweight inspection. They check:

Tire Tread Depth
Brake Shoes
Mud Flaps
Air Leaks
Wheels Seals
Fluid Leaks
Exhaust
Mirrors
Fire Extinguisher
Lights
Documentation for annual inspections

I got free inspection yesterday in Joplin Petro. I would call ahead and make an appointment. It's worth taking your 30 minute break, to get it done. But I don't think I would wait several hours for this inspection.

The only other tip I have is to not drive by the Texas Motor Speedway during the blitz. There are other ways to go south.

 

Why would you need someone to inspect these things for you?

 

Lol. I said it was light weight. I've missed a wheel seal leak before.

 

If you are worried about a DOT inspection get off the road, that is my request not the DOT. All of the items they check should be working because you care about my life and everyone else on the road, including your own. It is so stupid to hear drivers complain about inspections, if your truck is roadworthy why worry? I want the POS rigs gone.

 

The bold and underlined portion is where the "us against them" mentality has come from. A fair application of the law, coupled with an over-riding mission of promoting safety would be nothing to fear. But that is NOT what this is about. Maritime, railroad, and air transport industries have an excellent "partnering" rathering than adversarial relationship with their governing bodies. Trucking does not. Our seat at the table is occupied by the ATA who is only interested in one thing: money.

For years, if a cop was an idiot it was no big deal. No points. No implications. Now, it is a far different picture; and those legitimately trying can be picked apart and severely penalized via the CSA point system. For small, independent carriers this IS a big deal. So to assume "if we are doing it right....nothing to fear".....is an oversimplification.

That said, I will be on the road. I will run anywhere, day or night and toss the dice on an inspection. As an indie....backroads are your friend.....

 

I stopped looking for black helicopters, the missing gunman on the grassy knoll and Elvis a long time ago.

 

Not worried! My company pays me 150 on level 1, and 175 on a level 2 so bring it on bears! Love it!