do you O/O's seemed to get more trouble from State Police on stops

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by 10speed4me, Dec 31, 2017.

  1. nightgunner

    nightgunner Road Train Member

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    How to avoid getting stopped a bunch:
    Repair any exterior damage
    Wash the truck and trailer
    Keep the dash clear of everything
    Wear a seatbelt
     
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  3. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    From what I've seen, most DOT wont bother you if you're not stupid. They will ask a question, like when was your last inspection or about your dot sticker, or if you have your trailer registration...something to determine whether or not you as a driver are on point.

    In my line of work, they will ask slightly different questions, like "Do you know what the speed limit is? Do you know what time sundown is? Where are you planning to shut down?" Basically questions to see if I read my OSOW permit for that particular state.
     
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  4. mudflap77

    mudflap77 Heavy Load Member

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    I agree. I'm sure big mouths write as many tickets as anything else. IMO
     
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  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    If you were an inspector at a scale, who would YOU inspect?

    A truck that is relatively clean, all the lights you could see worked, tires had decent tread and there was no visible body damage.

    OR:

    A truck that's covered in dirt, has a couple burned out lights and a damaged bumper/fairings.


    Natural instinct is to harass the guy driving the truck that looks like a POS. First impressions are everything.
     
    Last edited: Jan 1, 2018
    Reason for edit: Found a spelling error.
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  6. pmdriver

    pmdriver Road Train Member

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    The person with uncombed hair, flip flops and sweat pants would be the one I would shoot for.
     
  7. Ristow

    Ristow Road Train Member

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    all my stuff in in a ring binder,pretty much in the order they ask for it so they just flip thru it. i usually get a comment about how nice it is.

    my truck needs a paint job. bad. i still got called out at a scale over the intercom,saying it was a cool truck,and gonna look great when its painted.
     
  8. nightgunner

    nightgunner Road Train Member

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    A big part that has not been addressed is the carrier CSA score. Megas are notorious for bad scores.
     
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  9. Dave_in_AZ

    Dave_in_AZ Road Train Member

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    Two reasons to keep it well maintained for me.
    1) Landstar is gestapo about failing inspections, and they will simply fire you. So FEAR is a motivation.
    2) With all the CSA nonsense now, you can be the best driver in the world, and unhirable because your license plate light keeps burning out.

    3 inspections in the last 6 months, levels 1,2, & 3, Washington & Arizona. All clean & green.
    Add about 5 more in the last 2 years, all clean.

    You must keep your #### wired tight, cause 2 of them boys did not like writing those clean reports, especially the dude in Belt, MT giving me a level 2 when it was snowing flakes the size of 50 cent pieces, and I mean snowing like 29 mofo's.

    I ran 3 log books, and all were immaculate. Hair was always combed, clean shaven.

    Now I'm on e log, and have gone to hell in a hand basket.
     
  10. bzinger

    bzinger Road Train Member

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    All depends on the info that goes with the mc number on the truck and what the officer sees .
    If the officer sees a bad carrier score , ratty looking truck that never gets washed .
    Driver looks like a Woodstock reject to lazy to shower .
    That tells the officer the driver and the carrier probably doesent give a tinkers dam ...inspect !
    Legal clean truck with clean driver and decent safety score ...roll on .
     
  11. Freddy57

    Freddy57 Road Train Member

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    A level 1 for takes about 25 minutes. Paperwork is in my book in inspection order. No oil leaks, no air leaks, brake shoes are never less than 30%, good tires, properly inflated. I have days off every week so I always have plenty of hours on my 70. When they speak to me I am courteous and professional and let them know that I'm a serious business person who takes pride in my profession. I've never had a problem with inspectors.
     
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