stay out of california, try to do most of your driving after 2 30 pm, dodge as many scales as possible. slow down way before a chicken coop and let as many of the 64 mph club members get ahead of you, once the chicken coop off ramp gets backed up on to the hi way in most cases they put the big word out and you can go right on by.. Always remember-dot cops are cops that are too chicken to be real cops hence the term "chicken coops" you are dealing with people that suffer from mental issues much like correction officers-I`m a 42 year veteran 3 million miles, good luck!
I took my one and only trip through CA with a hot shot rig- running empty. Drove in at night and there were 100+ trucks lined up waiting to weigh in. I didn't stop to weigh. Matter of fact, I blew by every scale in that state. And yes, I do know better, but nothing ever came of it. I'm not going back to that crap hole state anyway.
Totally agree! For me, being engaging at an inspection has always helped. Also whenever you are entering a scale give your brakes a few good pumps (6 pack) to tighten up the self adjusting slack adjusters, so the brakes are tight and at the best adjustment.
Brian, you are 100% correct. I've been in the industry for a year roughly (I'm from Quebec). I was in Virginia about a month ago and I was pulled over on a scale in the middle of the night. I was told to pull over because my front axle was overweight. The officer said I had 1 hour to adjust the 5th wheel. It took me two tries to get the 5th wheel adjusted properly but i got it done, 20 minutes later, I was back on the road. No inspection, but Attitude is key. The officer even recommended how many holes to move it over, because I remember when I was in CDL school there was a winter storm and the school teachers had decided to only do an in-class "theoretical" lesson on 5th wheel adjustment. They were too lazy to go outside in freezing temperature and show it to us in the yard.
Many moons ago my old man told me, 90 % of driving problems are solved by "keeping all the light working, keep them quiet and don't drive like an idiot". Many decades later...this still rings true.
I’m a veteran trucker, 14 years on the road. I still appreciate and watch these kinds of videos to stay fresh and keep myself memorable of the things I need to be doing. Complacency is a driver’s worst enemy. That’s what I always tell my trainees.
I agree with you regardless if you are a company driver or a owner operator you should always take care of the truck you are driving because it even shows even at a shiper or reserver on how your truck looks like than you know the difference between a clean driver versus a sloppy driver. So my advice is regardless if you own the truck or not take care of it as if you are the owner of it and take pride on keeping it clean
I keep a half inch binder as well within reach of the driver's seat that has my cab card, insurance certificates, IFTA license, most recent DOT inspection on the truck, UCR, a few days of paper logs, ELD malfunction and operation guide, and recent maintenance history with dates and mileage. Everything is in plastic sleeves to keep it neat. If you get stopped, there is no searching around for these documents and this should help the inspection start off in the right direction. Great video and thanks for covering this topic!
_This channel brings truckers together I had some of the coolest conversations with other truckers who watch this channel and man I got to tell you I never felt more like a brother to a man of a different race; thank you_
Wow! Thank you for such a sincere comment. We couldn’t be happier to help and educate drivers on our channel. This is why we do it, for supporters like yourself! Stay safe out there 😊
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News thanks guys for educating the drivers I’m a flatbed driver as yourself. I wanted to ask you what’s in those red buckets on the head truck. Looks really cool to maximize the space for your equipment. I mean what kinda equipment you keep in them Thanks very much in advance
I've been pulled for a level 1 (as my first ever inspection) on the Kentucky stateline and a level 2 (when I was sick with a cold) on the Idaho stateline. Both times I was very cordial and polite, even asked questions and made good natured conversation. Both DOT officers were super friendly and very informative. My level 1 was as easy as can be. I knew I was legal as I pretrip everyday and was within axle weights. However, being my first inspection I was super nervous. The DOT officer knew this, and was very friendly and answered all of my questions. She really made my first experience getting inspected pleasurable. She even permitted me a few minutes so I could collect my trucker cat in his crate! My level 2 inspection was much of the same nature. First thing that came out of my mouth when I opened the door was a polite warning that I was sick. (Back in COVID times so I felt I was obligated to inform him even though it wasn't COVID that I was sick with). He proceeded to chuckle and talk about how he just got over being sick as well. We then just started to shoot the sh!t and the inspection was over just like that. I've also been pulled by Oklahoma stateline just so the officer could tell me one of my drive tires was flat. And instead of giving me an inspection, he allowed me to get a repair. All of these passed inspections or being pulled into detainment I contribute heavily into keeping my truck at good working order, and treating these officers like people, not villains. Be nice, keep your equipment in good shape, and drive safe. Thank you for your videos man, I appreciate them greatly!
i think most problems arise when someone, in authority to inspect safety, all of a sudden now "thinks" he/she can become the gatekeeper to someones earnings for the day/daily bread or life depending on what authority is in question! safety always first...i have family on the road everyday i understand....but even this guy in the video said, dont get roudy with them because they can just hold you for as long as they want.... thats not safety inspecting thats actually quite the opposite, especially if that WORKER has an appointment to get to... NOW you are not only causing problem to this worker's schedule but also creating a situation where that worker is now in a rush to get to his daily bread/source of life... rushing is never ok with my family and friends on the road with these 18 wheelers sharing the roads with them...thats just one scenario forget mental health issues now adays... just safety inspect.. and i want to thank all of the inspectors out there who are just doing that and especially the ones who remember that they are NOT gatekeepers to anyones daily bread/life/being...!!!
I tell my trainees when they're doing their Circle check use a rag as you touch things wipe it when they decide to do an inspection on the truck they can see that proper inspections have been done stuff is clean it's not covered in Road grime
If they want to write a ticket they will find something. Got a ticket before. Only thing he could find was passenger side wiper sprayer was about 30% less spray than driver side. Got ticket for insufficient spray volume. Ok what is the volume # dot requires? The sprayer works. Just not as saturating as driver side.
Used to drive over the road many years ago. Any time I got pulled in, I was always friendly and respectful. Had paper logs, electronic logs weren't a thing yet, I always kept my logs neat and legible. Doing those things made things much easier, and I rarely had any problems. D.O.T's not your enemy, they're just doing their job
My first and only was while I was still with my trainer. I just crossed into Mississippi on a state hwy and the dude pulled me into a u turn lane to inspect my truck. Went well and I got a bit of extra pay for passing it 🤣
13 year OTR in Canada and US and I can confirm what you just said. I always had a clean truck (inside and out) and never had a problem with DOT (except once in Ontario when they would not believe I was stopped for 13 hours despite having the fuel and shower receipts!). An Ohio DOT even let me drive 50 miles to a truck stop to fix a broken booster. Be good with yourself, your truck and everyone around you. It goes a long way! OH, and keep your attitude to yourself. they have the power to make your life miserable.
CVSA rules are the same across the country board. Tail lights on a truck pulling a trailer are not out of service, it’s the lighting on the rear most portion of the vehicle. Lots of truck stop DOT information here. He says things are out of service that aren’t. He gets it, but isn’t giving correct information. 1 brake isn’t out of service unless it a 2 axle. My advice is take care of your truck, and be cool. Kissing ass, arguing, or bragging is a step towards delay. They are people too.
My son used to dispatch for a fly by night trucking company. They had a truck lose a wheel and hit a pickup truck. Thankfully no one got hurt. After that every time one of their trucks went over the scale it was pulled to the side. Also they got pulled over to get their TDG paperwork checked. Their trucks kept failing inspection. Then one day the MOT, MOE, and MOL showed up at the depot for an in depth inspection. When they were done my son had to look for a new job. As someone that had to share the road with their trucks I am glad they put them out of business. I just don’t know how those garbage trucks are still on the road.
I've only ever been asked about truck ownership once, and the Trooper said it was to ensure the paperwork leasing me on to a DOT number was correct. I drove for an O/O, so had to carry paperwork stating that he was authorized to run the parent company DOT number. That may not always be reason. I had 2 different names on side of truck so he knew there should be lease on paperwork somewhere.
You said in a different video that you run the tires to the absolute lowest legal level! Now you saying that you don't run them down! What a joke! Sorry, I'm a truth teller.
Thank you for sharing this. I am not a driver, I am a fleet mechanic for a utility company in California. I don't work on over the road semi trucks like you are showing. Most of the trucks I work on are local trucks with booms used for manlifts or diggers. They occasionally have to go through scales depending on where they are working. Part of my work includes a 90 day DOT inspection on each of the trucks and an annual opacity test. The 90 day DOT inspections are both a blessing and a curse. It includes just about everything you pointed out which helps me make sure the trucks are in good shape for the CHP's terminal inspection every couple of years. The curse is when I find something and repair it, the District Manager pulls the DVIRs of the driver to find out why they didn't catch the problem and report it to me long before my 90 Day inspection. Now the driver thinks I ratted them out. But the District Manager is correct. The biggest thing I find on my 90 Day inspection is worn tires. If the driver was doing his daily inspection he would have caught it, not me.
Good video. I'm a DOT inspector. You are correct. We do have a job to do. I'm sorry to hear that you have been "unnecessarily detained". You do a good job explaining that we are MOSTLY looking for violations that are SAFETY concerns. These inspections shouldn't vary from state to state. They should be the same throughout North America but they do vary slightly. Keep up the good work. Drivers like you make the roads safer.
How come you super cops won't give a Level 1 when it's raining? You afraid of that whole Wicked Witch of the West thing or what!?!? And who gave you the haircut champ??
I got a lvl 3 the other day on my Ram 3500 lol. everyone told me my tint would make me a auto fail but yet the CVSE officer had no beef with it and was happy with the rest of the truck.
I can think of several states that Will Not let illegal tint pass. It really is a safety hazard however even the Cop cars in NM have lemo dark tint on Front windows. Yeah, not a lot of Safety practices in whole state.
Went thru an inspection once. I kept locking myself out of my truck, So I got a spare key an zip tied it under my hood. When the officer was under there he found it and was like WTF... So I told him, that I was a bonehead and locked myself out occasionally. He just rolled his eyes. Best problem solving solution I ever did. Too much money and time to have a locksmith come out.
Great Video! Air Lines... I'm gonna pay more attention to those. Tires, Log Books (E-Logs) Lights... Check. But I'm now definitely going to pay attention to my air lines! If that's what they're look at, I should be looking at them too. Also, I'm a big stickler for Air and Electrical line hook ups to a Trailer. Again, Great, Short, To The Point, Video... Rock On, Brother. Be Safe
I've been driving for 29 years. Every year I try to take the week of the Blitzkrieg off. I also monitor the scales and dot in real time before I get to them. The worst is Wyoming. Stay away from WY.. I had COVID and parked on dirt lot on side of 80 and was too sick to drive. The young Dot gave me 40 points of warnings. Warnings stay on CSA Vs ticket you can fight. California let me go after I threw my license at Dot after they triggered my PTSD. God bless California for understanding what we go through.
You covered everything that I’m being taught in school by my instructors. Basically, do your pre-trip as if you were going before your examiner. Find the problem first, and fix it. Like I learned in the Navy, Preventive, and Corrective maintenance are the basic requirements to ensuring your equipment stays operational. I’m liking, and subscribing. Great stuff.
Correct me if im wrong but they seem to pull in bobtails more than when you’re hauling a trailer. It’s happened to me twice that i was bobtailing and i got pulled in. One of them was a random DOT inspection in PA on rt 80.
Brian, you are absolutely such a experienced person I really like the way you explain everything. I promise while I buying my first truck I for sure will meet you in person and you will help me buying my first truck.... Insha,allah 👍😇😊
Great video. You are 100% correct. A sloppy messy truck is 10× more likely to get inspected. Let's take a little pride in what we do and how we do it. Thanks for the videos guys.
Hey Brian. This was both informative and entertaining to watch. I learned a lot from watching your video on what to expect at the inspection. Thank you!
Thank you for that Brian that was a great video, And your advice at the end about keeping a tidy truck, honestly it makes sense to me. If I was a D.O.T. officer and I seen the inside of a cab completely trashed up, I would think let's check out the rush of the truck. I mean something could get caught up behind the brake pedal, which won't allow you to hit brakes. (Arguably) not everyone may think that way (speaking of the officers) but I know I will.
Tbh I only do a serious pre trip once a week. My company put me in a brand new 2023 Cascadia. Only had 1500 miles on it. Only problem I’ve had so far was my left steer tire was low. Only had 45psi and it’s supposed to be 110. I caught it on a post trip. Ended up having a mechanic come out and somehow the valve stem broke. It was hanging on by a thread. He just wiggled it and it came right off. Blowing a drive or trailer tire is one thing but blowing a steer tire is like a death sentence.
First one I did was a farm fuel inspection. Had no clue what was going on, total newbie. The lady was cool, answered my dumb questions. But it is only dumb because you don't know and your lack of experience. But I proved that I was at least smart enough to ask. "The only stupid question is the one not asked!"
I pulled into a scale today and was inspected.. He did everything you mentioned; creeper board and all!! Found a hydraulic leak that lifts the bed on company dump truck. Gave me a violation. Does that affect my CDL or driving record at all??
Great and informative video! Years ago I was pulling out of a Flying J Truckstop and it was dusk. I did not turn my lights on because I thought there still was sufficient sun light left. I was in Kansas and was going to jump on the interstate. A DOT officer lit me up so on the should I went. I rolled down my window and in a polite tone greeted him. I had nice clothing on for the job and I kept my cab so clean you could eat off the floor. No trash or papers on the dashboard. I offered him my logbook, and he proceeded with his inspection. He told me the reason he pulled me over was that I did not have my lights on. Outside of that he found nothing wrong with the DOT inspection and let me go on my way. My son was a police officer at the time and he gave me little hints on how to survive a DOT inspection. He told me to always be polite and respectful, look like a professional, and don't have a lot of junk on the dash. The officer was a nice guy and I bid him goodbye. Using those rules sure paid off for me!
If I know I have a small oil leak, is it helpful to tell them something like "Hey, I know I have a small leak, I'm going to have that looked at as soon as I get back to the yard?"
Great video and I'm glad you mentioned that a driver's "Attitude" is key to the inspection. Bad Attitude equals harder inspection, showing respect to him and having a good demeanor will save you a from longer delay. Remember they're just doing their job keeping us and our families safe.
@johnsonbar5022 1 minute ago (edited) - The DOT works closely with all kinds of law enforcement. Sometimes, at weighing scales, I'd get motioned to pull over and stop at a place for a special drug sniffing dog to walk around my rig. At one place, the flat bed that I was pulling had Atlas brand tires. At the time, that brand contained a lot of nylon and similar products. Hence, as the tire went down the road, it would build up static electricity. A quick "thump" with a billy club style tire bat, would discharge the static buildup. Any who, I'm at a checkpoint, and a DOT trooper is standingnext to my door, as another DOT trooper with a drug sniffing dog starts walking around my rig. I jokingly say to the trooper next to me... "this is not the truck you're looking for... move along". All the while, waving my hand, like Obi-wan in Star Wars. He was not impressed. As the dog starts sniffing, he gets his nose right next to a tire, and...ZAP! So I look down at the trooper and... without missing a beat, say... "The force is strong with this one.." The troopernext to me, reaches for his citation book, and starts writing up a storm. He folds the citation in half, paper clips it to my paperwork that I handed him, as he tells me to "Move!" I stopped at the next truck stop, my curiosity driving me nuts, to see what he charged mefor. I unfold the citation, and I see.. and I quote.. CITATION.. SMART ASS... EMPIRE'S REVENGE...HAVE A NICE DAY..... Reply
Great video. You sir, are spot on when it comes to cleanliness of your cab. I guy that I used to work with, his cab was spotless and everything was well organized. He got stopped by a DOT and in his inspection he commented on his cab and said more guys kept a cab like his and make his life easier. If it looks like trash, they are going to look that much harder.
Thank you for taking the time to go through the list of what DOT is looking for. I definitely agree with you 100% as much as I felt like it is personal when they pour me and I have learned to just bite my tongue. The quicker they can get done the quicker they can print your paperwork and get you out of the bay.
That is so true about rear tractor lights and being hooked up to a trailer. That happened to me, in Missouri. The turn signals and four ways and break lights worked, but they weren’t lit.
Good information bud👍. We usually know pretty quick who to pull in and who to wave on. Being polite and professional goes a long way with us. Be safe out there drivers.
Having a truck it’s alot of responsibility I’m a owner op and having repair my only truck takes big money every year around, no complaints the money a makes but the dealer shops take’s the meat, iwill retired in 10 more years, good luck my friends
Great video! Windshield cap happened to me too .. But spot on , very informative 👏. Im very big as well, to keep my cab clean, windows clean , i go over all my marker light ...tail light ...quick windex spray , wipe the lenses clean , especially in snow , salt , crap .... Safe riding , god bless 🙌
I believe the brake pads cannot be worn down more than the quarter of an inch. For the brake adjustment, the push rods the front steers could be 1" the drive and trailer 2". Thanks again for the great content always enjoy your videos 👍
I can't understand why anyone would say they don't need the rear tractor lights to work when they are hooked to a trailer. How much does a light cost? Even if it's true where you are, why chance it? Is the few dollars it might cost worth you risking a ticket, or a conflict with law enforcement? I think you are 100% right about trash and clutter in the truck. Keep your work area dirty, you slack off in other places. Anybody who thinks a dirty truck inside won't attract attention, just doesn't know what's going on in the real world.
Great content, really enjoying it. I'm in Newfoundland, hopefully going to school next month for my Class 1. That air brake adjustment is a good benefit us East Coasters get, I did not know that we were the only provinces to get that, cool!
I believe if your truck looks clean they see you take care of your equipment and go easier on the inspection. I know that's not true but it definitely depends on the inspector
Have you ever heard of DOT marking trucks to be stopped repeatedly? In all this time I’ve never been stopped three times in a single week. I noticed sticker’s on the truck that I had never seen before and was not allowed to get out of the truck during the first inspection due to safety precautions.
What they're actually looking for, how about revenue, I don't scam the system, I just scam the scammers, for over 40 years, no accidents, screw those chicken coops
saddest thing when i first started with swift, i was looking up to the diamond drivers with their spotless million miles- and his dude climbs out of his cab 5''5 400lbs and his passnger seat filled with chips and pop.. and so may others- it actually was 40% plus reason for quitting -- what a sad state to be in he was a DOT violation by himself- nvermind by dispatcher who couldnt walk 10 ft to the window- ty haing a conversation with a fat man about to drop dead,,,
The way I avoid being inspected is I don't drive. Find another job where the government isn't unconstitutinally violating you at every turn just for "safety".
Please how to check on steer tire, recommend brand, sight of bad no need to replace. Specifically heavy load in hot weather, the steer tire pressure raise up while driving, when you need to stop to cool them down or limit pressure raise up you need to stop to let it cool down. How about the drive tires, i been haul 79700lb down the road about 6 hours, stop to get fuel the tires is very hot to touch with barehand, and the sidewall look darker like u just grub that againt the curve. I seen some guy just stop to get fuel and sprays water on tires and underneath their truck, is it good or bad when spray the water in while those tires are hot. Please give the advise, recommendation from your experience
Where I am from not knowing how to go around the scale....you are not a real trucker! Especially now that we have truckerspath. If it weigh station are open 45 miles before you get there find another route around the chicken coup
Pretty good video. You are absolutely correct.The more you look like you take care of your truck, the less likely they're going to pull you in for any reason.
I be new driver soon and i can understand and respect why they to inspect and have you do all your pti etc I mean this thing is a bullet train with 60k pounds so yea I don't mind lets all be safe out there
stay out of california, try to do most of your driving after 2 30 pm, dodge as many scales as possible. slow down way before a chicken coop and let as many of the 64 mph club members get ahead of you, once the chicken coop off ramp gets backed up on to the hi way in most cases they put the big word out and you can go right on by.. Always remember-dot cops are cops that are too chicken to be real cops hence the term "chicken coops" you are dealing with people that suffer from mental issues much like correction officers-I`m a 42 year veteran 3 million miles, good luck!
Beautiful ,god bless you!
Thanks for the tip driver
Lol 😂😂
I took my one and only trip through CA with a hot shot rig- running empty. Drove in at night and there were 100+ trucks lined up waiting to weigh in. I didn't stop to weigh. Matter of fact, I blew by every scale in that state. And yes, I do know better, but nothing ever came of it. I'm not going back to that crap hole state anyway.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Totally agree! For me, being engaging at an inspection has always helped. Also whenever you are entering a scale give your brakes a few good pumps (6 pack) to tighten up the self adjusting slack adjusters, so the brakes are tight and at the best adjustment.
Good tip
👍👍👍
That's not how it works. That's not how any of this works.
@@crisiffland4259 wtf
Thx
Brian, you are 100% correct. I've been in the industry for a year roughly (I'm from Quebec). I was in Virginia about a month ago and I was pulled over on a scale in the middle of the night. I was told to pull over because my front axle was overweight. The officer said I had 1 hour to adjust the 5th wheel. It took me two tries to get the 5th wheel adjusted properly but i got it done, 20 minutes later, I was back on the road. No inspection, but Attitude is key. The officer even recommended how many holes to move it over, because I remember when I was in CDL school there was a winter storm and the school teachers had decided to only do an in-class "theoretical" lesson on 5th wheel adjustment. They were too lazy to go outside in freezing temperature and show it to us in the yard.
Thanks for sharing Philip! Attitude is 100% key to having a smooth interaction with a DOT Officer.
Many moons ago my old man told me, 90 % of driving problems are solved by "keeping all the light working, keep them quiet and don't drive like an idiot". Many decades later...this still rings true.
Spot on
I’m a veteran trucker, 14 years on the road. I still appreciate and watch these kinds of videos to stay fresh and keep myself memorable of the things I need to be doing. Complacency is a driver’s worst enemy. That’s what I always tell my trainees.
I agree with you regardless if you are a company driver or a owner operator you should always take care of the truck you are driving because it even shows even at a shiper or reserver on how your truck looks like than you know the difference between a clean driver versus a sloppy driver. So my advice is regardless if you own the truck or not take care of it as if you are the owner of it and take pride on keeping it clean
Exactly! It’s your home on wheels. Take care of the truck!
I keep a half inch binder as well within reach of the driver's seat that has my cab card, insurance certificates, IFTA license, most recent DOT inspection on the truck, UCR, a few days of paper logs, ELD malfunction and operation guide, and recent maintenance history with dates and mileage. Everything is in plastic sleeves to keep it neat. If you get stopped, there is no searching around for these documents and this should help the inspection start off in the right direction. Great video and thanks for covering this topic!
_This channel brings truckers together I had some of the coolest conversations with other truckers who watch this channel and man I got to tell you I never felt more like a brother to a man of a different race; thank you_
Wow! Thank you for such a sincere comment. We couldn’t be happier to help and educate drivers on our channel. This is why we do it, for supporters like yourself! Stay safe out there 😊
@@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News thanks guys for educating the drivers
I’m a flatbed driver as yourself.
I wanted to ask you what’s in those red buckets on the head truck.
Looks really cool to maximize the space for your equipment.
I mean what kinda equipment you keep in them
Thanks very much in advance
Been looking for what they look for in a DOT inspection for a year. Thank so much.
DOT keeps records on your company and know who to stop and who to let go based on past inspections/violations.
I've been pulled for a level 1 (as my first ever inspection) on the Kentucky stateline and a level 2 (when I was sick with a cold) on the Idaho stateline. Both times I was very cordial and polite, even asked questions and made good natured conversation. Both DOT officers were super friendly and very informative.
My level 1 was as easy as can be. I knew I was legal as I pretrip everyday and was within axle weights. However, being my first inspection I was super nervous. The DOT officer knew this, and was very friendly and answered all of my questions. She really made my first experience getting inspected pleasurable. She even permitted me a few minutes so I could collect my trucker cat in his crate!
My level 2 inspection was much of the same nature. First thing that came out of my mouth when I opened the door was a polite warning that I was sick. (Back in COVID times so I felt I was obligated to inform him even though it wasn't COVID that I was sick with). He proceeded to chuckle and talk about how he just got over being sick as well. We then just started to shoot the sh!t and the inspection was over just like that.
I've also been pulled by Oklahoma stateline just so the officer could tell me one of my drive tires was flat. And instead of giving me an inspection, he allowed me to get a repair.
All of these passed inspections or being pulled into detainment I contribute heavily into keeping my truck at good working order, and treating these officers like people, not villains. Be nice, keep your equipment in good shape, and drive safe.
Thank you for your videos man, I appreciate them greatly!
Was she hot ?
Well dammm. U wrote a whole comment book. Lmaof
Trash on the dashboards it's called profiling the driver nine times out of 10 if they're pigs there a safety hazard.
As a DOT inspector , i will say good job being informative so all other drivers can understand the process and why we do what we do.
Why u do what you do is just to make money Jason 😅
@@moqani5525 not correct, it’s about safety!! It’s easy to be safe
@@shadmeyer7791 And being annoying as hell too
Because revenue
i think most problems arise when someone, in authority to inspect safety, all of a sudden now "thinks" he/she can become the gatekeeper to someones earnings for the day/daily bread or life depending on what authority is in question! safety always first...i have family on the road everyday i understand....but even this guy in the video said, dont get roudy with them because they can just hold you for as long as they want.... thats not safety inspecting thats actually quite the opposite, especially if that WORKER has an appointment to get to... NOW you are not only causing problem to this worker's schedule but also creating a situation where that worker is now in a rush to get to his daily bread/source of life... rushing is never ok with my family and friends on the road with these 18 wheelers sharing the roads with them...thats just one scenario forget mental health issues now adays... just safety inspect.. and i want to thank all of the inspectors out there who are just doing that and especially the ones who remember that they are NOT gatekeepers to anyones daily bread/life/being...!!!
I tell my trainees when they're doing their Circle check use a rag as you touch things wipe it when they decide to do an inspection on the truck they can see that proper inspections have been done stuff is clean it's not covered in Road grime
If they want to write a ticket they will find something. Got a ticket before. Only thing he could find was passenger side wiper sprayer was about 30% less spray than driver side. Got ticket for insufficient spray volume. Ok what is the volume # dot requires? The sprayer works. Just not as saturating as driver side.
Wow that’s pretty picky. Definitely not the norm in my 20 years of inspecting.
Used to drive over the road many years ago. Any time I got pulled in, I was always friendly and respectful. Had paper logs, electronic logs weren't a thing yet, I always kept my logs neat and legible. Doing those things made things much easier, and I rarely had any problems. D.O.T's not your enemy, they're just doing their job
My first and only was while I was still with my trainer. I just crossed into Mississippi on a state hwy and the dude pulled me into a u turn lane to inspect my truck. Went well and I got a bit of extra pay for passing it 🤣
They told it to me as being in less than a quarter of an inch on those brake liners anything less would be worn dangerously thin
Thank you for sharing!
I love this channel, every bit of information helps me and also useful on the road
We are so glad you enjoy our content. We really appreciate your support and feedback!
13 year OTR in Canada and US and I can confirm what you just said. I always had a clean truck (inside and out) and never had a problem with DOT (except once in Ontario when they would not believe I was stopped for 13 hours despite having the fuel and shower receipts!). An Ohio DOT even let me drive 50 miles to a truck stop to fix a broken booster. Be good with yourself, your truck and everyone around you. It goes a long way! OH, and keep your attitude to yourself. they have the power to make your life miserable.
CVSA rules are the same across the country board. Tail lights on a truck pulling a trailer are not out of service, it’s the lighting on the rear most portion of the vehicle. Lots of truck stop DOT information here. He says things are out of service that aren’t. He gets it, but isn’t giving correct information. 1 brake isn’t out of service unless it a 2 axle.
My advice is take care of your truck, and be cool. Kissing ass, arguing, or bragging is a step towards delay. They are people too.
My son used to dispatch for a fly by night trucking company. They had a truck lose a wheel and hit a pickup truck. Thankfully no one got hurt. After that every time one of their trucks went over the scale it was pulled to the side. Also they got pulled over to get their TDG paperwork checked. Their trucks kept failing inspection. Then one day the MOT, MOE, and MOL showed up at the depot for an in depth inspection. When they were done my son had to look for a new job. As someone that had to share the road with their trucks I am glad they put them out of business. I just don’t know how those garbage trucks are still on the road.
The clean dashboard thing is real.
I've only ever been asked about truck ownership once, and the Trooper said it was to ensure the paperwork leasing me on to a DOT number was correct. I drove for an O/O, so had to carry paperwork stating that he was authorized to run the parent company DOT number. That may not always be reason. I had 2 different names on side of truck so he knew there should be lease on paperwork somewhere.
Unless of course you have a cluttered dashboard, or you're speeding, or whatnot, DOT should leave truckers alone and let them do their job.
They have to ensure that you're doing your job legally or in the best condition possible
Amazing content Brian. This is gold for us, rookies 👍🏻! Thank you! Alana, as always, great job!! ✅
Thanks Nelu! We’re glad you enjoy our content. Stay tuned for Brian’s next video!
You said in a different video that you run the tires to the absolute lowest legal level! Now you saying that you don't run them down! What a joke! Sorry, I'm a truth teller.
Thank you for sharing this. I am not a driver, I am a fleet mechanic for a utility company in California. I don't work on over the road semi trucks like you are showing. Most of the trucks I work on are local trucks with booms used for manlifts or diggers. They occasionally have to go through scales depending on where they are working.
Part of my work includes a 90 day DOT inspection on each of the trucks and an annual opacity test. The 90 day DOT inspections are both a blessing and a curse. It includes just about everything you pointed out which helps me make sure the trucks are in good shape for the CHP's terminal inspection every couple of years. The curse is when I find something and repair it, the District Manager pulls the DVIRs of the driver to find out why they didn't catch the problem and report it to me long before my 90 Day inspection. Now the driver thinks I ratted them out.
But the District Manager is correct. The biggest thing I find on my 90 Day inspection is worn tires. If the driver was doing his daily inspection he would have caught it, not me.
Good video. I'm a DOT inspector. You are correct. We do have a job to do. I'm sorry to hear that you have been "unnecessarily detained". You do a good job explaining that we are MOSTLY looking for violations that are SAFETY concerns. These inspections shouldn't vary from state to state. They should be the same throughout North America but they do vary slightly. Keep up the good work. Drivers like you make the roads safer.
How come you super cops won't give a Level 1 when it's raining? You afraid of that whole Wicked Witch of the West thing or what!?!? And who gave you the haircut champ??
I got a lvl 3 the other day on my Ram 3500 lol. everyone told me my tint would make me a auto fail but yet the CVSE officer had no beef with it and was happy with the rest of the truck.
What state out of curiosity
@@jetspeed9618 this was in Canada
I can think of several states that Will Not let illegal tint pass. It really is a safety hazard however even the Cop cars in NM have lemo dark tint on Front windows.
Yeah, not a lot of Safety practices in whole state.
Went thru an inspection once. I kept locking myself out of my truck, So I got a spare key an zip tied it under my hood. When the officer was under there he found it and was like WTF... So I told him, that I was a bonehead and locked myself out occasionally. He just rolled his eyes.
Best problem solving solution I ever did. Too much money and time to have a locksmith come out.
Great Video! Air Lines... I'm gonna pay more attention to those. Tires, Log Books (E-Logs) Lights... Check. But I'm now definitely going to pay attention to my air lines! If that's what they're look at, I should be looking at them too. Also, I'm a big stickler for Air and Electrical line hook ups to a Trailer. Again, Great, Short, To The Point, Video... Rock On, Brother. Be Safe
Do I even have to help to police officers or DOT ?? No i'm not going to stop them from In expecting the truck..
How to survive a DOT Inspection? Don’t go thru it 🤣
Sometimes it’s unavoidable
I've been driving for 29 years. Every year I try to take the week of the Blitzkrieg off. I also monitor the scales and dot in real time before I get to them. The worst is Wyoming. Stay away from WY.. I had COVID and parked on dirt lot on side of 80 and was too sick to drive. The young Dot gave me 40 points of warnings. Warnings stay on CSA Vs ticket you can fight. California let me go after I threw my license at Dot after they triggered my PTSD. God bless California for understanding what we go through.
Hey I'm a garbage man. How do I keep from looking like I came from the garbage dump when I did just come from a garbage dump
Huh DOT pull me over for no reason in the last 3 years and they never asked me to open the hood
1800 come fix my crap LMFAO 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
You covered everything that I’m being taught in school by my instructors. Basically, do your pre-trip as if you were going before your examiner. Find the problem first, and fix it. Like I learned in the Navy, Preventive, and Corrective maintenance are the basic requirements to ensuring your equipment stays operational. I’m liking, and subscribing. Great stuff.
Correct me if im wrong but they seem to pull in bobtails more than when you’re hauling a trailer. It’s happened to me twice that i was bobtailing and i got pulled in. One of them was a random DOT inspection in PA on rt 80.
From an inspector standpoint, bobtails are an easy inspection and they usually go quick.
DOT inspection is a easy deal and it will go good as long as the truck driver don't act stupid.
The airlines got a lot of free promo in this video. Fly safe!
God bless the truckers! 🚙🚛🚚🛻
Brian, you are absolutely such a experienced person I really like the way you explain everything.
I promise while I buying my first truck I for sure will meet you in person and you will help me buying my first truck....
Insha,allah 👍😇😊
Great video. You are 100% correct. A sloppy messy truck is 10× more likely to get inspected. Let's take a little pride in what we do and how we do it. Thanks for the videos guys.
Just look at the trash in the back of truck stops that’s pathetic
Hey Brian. This was both informative and entertaining to watch. I learned a lot from watching your video on what to expect at the inspection. Thank you!
Thank you for that Brian that was a great video, And your advice at the end about keeping a tidy truck, honestly it makes sense to me.
If I was a D.O.T. officer and I seen the inside of a cab completely trashed up, I would think let's check out the rush of the truck.
I mean something could get caught up behind the brake pedal, which won't allow you to hit brakes.
(Arguably) not everyone may think that way (speaking of the officers) but I know I will.
Glad you enjoyed the video Raven! Thanks for the feedback.
Tbh I only do a serious pre trip once a week. My company put me in a brand new 2023 Cascadia. Only had 1500 miles on it. Only problem I’ve had so far was my left steer tire was low. Only had 45psi and it’s supposed to be 110. I caught it on a post trip. Ended up having a mechanic come out and somehow the valve stem broke. It was hanging on by a thread. He just wiggled it and it came right off. Blowing a drive or trailer tire is one thing but blowing a steer tire is like a death sentence.
Yikesssssss, glad you noticed it early enough
First one I did was a farm fuel inspection. Had no clue what was going on, total newbie. The lady was cool, answered my dumb questions.
But it is only dumb because you don't know and your lack of experience. But I proved that I was at least smart enough to ask.
"The only stupid question is the one not asked!"
REPENT AND FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST BEFORE ITS TOO LATE 🔴..
I pulled into a scale today and was inspected.. He did everything you mentioned; creeper board and all!! Found a hydraulic leak that lifts the bed on company dump truck. Gave me a violation. Does that affect my CDL or driving record at all??
Thanks a lot. Right, agree 100%. Take care of your Truck - inside and mechanicaly. Helpfull !
Right on
Great and informative video! Years ago I was pulling out of a Flying J Truckstop and it was dusk. I did not turn my lights on because I thought there still was sufficient sun light left. I was in Kansas and was going to jump on the interstate. A DOT officer lit me up so on the should I went. I rolled down my window and in a polite tone greeted him. I had nice clothing on for the job and I kept my cab so clean you could eat off the floor. No trash or papers on the dashboard. I offered him my logbook, and he proceeded with his inspection. He told me the reason he pulled me over was that I did not have my lights on. Outside of that he found nothing wrong with the DOT inspection and let me go on my way. My son was a police officer at the time and he gave me little hints on how to survive a DOT inspection. He told me to always be polite and respectful, look like a professional, and don't have a lot of junk on the dash. The officer was a nice guy and I bid him goodbye. Using those rules sure paid off for me!
And obviously don’t call him a diesel cop, bear, or pig.
If I know I have a small oil leak, is it helpful to tell them something like "Hey, I know I have a small leak, I'm going to have that looked at as soon as I get back to the yard?"
Absolutely agree with you. Be transparent, professional and honest!
Great video and I'm glad you mentioned that a driver's "Attitude" is key to the inspection. Bad Attitude equals harder inspection, showing respect to him and having a good demeanor will save you a from longer delay. Remember they're just doing their job keeping us and our families safe.
trucks that have automatic slack adjusters don't need to be adjusted... they're automatically adjusted!
That’s true about your dash and windows. IF the dash is cluttered, they might be inclined to do a Level I Inspection.
@johnsonbar5022
1 minute ago (edited)
- The DOT works closely with all kinds of law enforcement. Sometimes, at weighing scales, I'd get motioned to pull over and stop at a place for a special drug sniffing dog to walk around my rig. At one place, the flat bed that I was pulling had Atlas brand tires. At the time, that brand contained a lot of nylon and similar products. Hence, as the tire went down the road, it would build up static electricity. A quick "thump" with a billy club style tire bat, would discharge the static buildup. Any who, I'm at a checkpoint, and a DOT trooper is standingnext to my door, as another DOT trooper with a drug sniffing dog starts walking around my rig. I jokingly say to the trooper next to me... "this is not the truck you're looking for... move along". All the while, waving my hand, like Obi-wan in Star Wars. He was not impressed. As the dog starts sniffing, he gets his nose right next to a tire, and...ZAP! So I look down at the trooper and... without missing a beat, say... "The force is strong with this one.." The troopernext to me, reaches for his citation book, and starts writing up a storm. He folds the citation in half, paper clips it to my paperwork that I handed him, as he tells me to "Move!" I stopped at the next truck stop, my curiosity driving me nuts, to see what he charged mefor. I unfold the citation, and I see.. and I quote.. CITATION.. SMART ASS... EMPIRE'S REVENGE...HAVE A NICE DAY.....
Reply
Great video. You sir, are spot on when it comes to cleanliness of your cab. I guy that I used to work with, his cab was spotless and everything was well organized. He got stopped by a DOT and in his inspection he commented on his cab and said more guys kept a cab like his and make his life easier. If it looks like trash, they are going to look that much harder.
You didnt mention abs light or tpms lights
Everybody has to have a piece of the 🥧
Mudflaps
100%! Thank you for commenting!
Thank you for taking the time to go through the list of what DOT is looking for. I definitely agree with you 100% as much as I felt like it is personal when they pour me and I have learned to just bite my tongue. The quicker they can get done the quicker they can print your paperwork and get you out of the bay.
I am in Manitoba and I am pretty sure I have my S endorsement around 11 years ago, but I am not going to play with my brakes either.
Better to be safe than sorry!
That is so true about rear tractor lights and being hooked up to a trailer. That happened to me, in Missouri. The turn signals and four ways and break lights worked, but they weren’t lit.
Good information bud👍. We usually know pretty quick who to pull in and who to wave on. Being polite and professional goes a long way with us. Be safe out there drivers.
Rodriguez John White Ruth Johnson Kevin
Quite an impressive name
Thank you so much for more information 👍
Thanks for watching!
Having a truck it’s alot of responsibility I’m a owner op and having repair my only truck takes big money every year around, no complaints the money a makes but the dealer shops take’s the meat, iwill retired in 10 more years, good luck my friends
Great video! Windshield cap happened to me too ..
But spot on , very informative 👏. Im very big as well, to keep my cab clean, windows clean , i go over all my marker light ...tail light ...quick windex spray , wipe the lenses clean , especially in snow , salt , crap ....
Safe riding , god bless 🙌
I believe the brake pads cannot be worn down more than the quarter of an inch.
For the brake adjustment, the push rods the front steers could be 1" the drive and trailer 2".
Thanks again for the great content always enjoy your videos 👍
how in the world can you keep your outside truck clean from salt and dirt?
Salt and dirt always win
🤣🤣🤣 call 1800 come fix my crap.
Thanks for making this video! I can go into a scale with more piece of mind after watching this knowing what they really look 4. Thank you!
left side skid plate is angled outwards because of bent out frame just under it.
I can't understand why anyone would say they don't need the rear tractor lights to work when they are hooked to a trailer. How much does a light cost? Even if it's true where you are, why chance it? Is the few dollars it might cost worth you risking a ticket, or a conflict with law enforcement?
I think you are 100% right about trash and clutter in the truck. Keep your work area dirty, you slack off in other places. Anybody who thinks a dirty truck inside won't attract attention, just doesn't know what's going on in the real world.
Great content, really enjoying it. I'm in Newfoundland, hopefully going to school next month for my Class 1. That air brake adjustment is a good benefit us East Coasters get, I did not know that we were the only provinces to get that, cool!
I believe if your truck looks clean they see you take care of your equipment and go easier on the inspection.
I know that's not true but it definitely depends on the inspector
Have you ever heard of DOT marking trucks to be stopped repeatedly? In all this time I’ve never been stopped three times in a single week. I noticed sticker’s on the truck that I had never seen before and was not allowed to get out of the truck during the first inspection due to safety precautions.
I've had DOT guys adjust my brakes during a roadside inspection.
Everything he is saying is so true 👍 good video man safe trucking 🚚
What they're actually looking for, how about revenue, I don't scam the system, I just scam the scammers, for over 40 years, no accidents, screw those chicken coops
Thank you for the wonderful video of all that happens at a DOT inspection. i'm looking to get into being a trucker.
saddest thing when i first started with swift, i was looking up to the diamond drivers with their spotless million miles- and his dude climbs out of his cab 5''5 400lbs and his passnger seat filled with chips and pop.. and so may others- it actually was 40% plus reason for quitting -- what a sad state to be in he was a DOT violation by himself- nvermind by dispatcher who couldnt walk 10 ft to the window- ty haing a conversation with a fat man about to drop dead,,,
Learn how to slow down on the High way SR before making videos talking about DOT ,that is professional 55mph
16 years, I've never had an issue from a DOT inspection.
The way I avoid being inspected is I don't drive. Find another job where the government isn't unconstitutinally violating you at every turn just for "safety".
Most definitely I will keep this phone number is mind. 1800 COME FIX MY CRAP.
Please how to check on steer tire, recommend brand, sight of bad no need to replace.
Specifically heavy load in hot weather, the steer tire pressure raise up while driving, when you need to stop to cool them down or limit pressure raise up you need to stop to let it cool down.
How about the drive tires, i been haul 79700lb down the road about 6 hours, stop to get fuel the tires is very hot to touch with barehand, and the sidewall look darker like u just grub that againt the curve.
I seen some guy just stop to get fuel and sprays water on tires and underneath their truck, is it good or bad when spray the water in while those tires are hot.
Please give the advise, recommendation from your experience
Somebody remind me using a quarter like the actual quarter.25 cents how much of the quarter should show when checking tire depth
Really appreciate your help with the Inspection, wondered if you could use a flashlight to show those parts that your touching😅 flashlight
Who doesn't know that?
If your a CDL holder and you don't know that, you need to go work at Tim Hortons making donuts and coffee!!
I think most of them have a peeve they are looking for... maybe not, but it sure seems so... VA will get you for a single clearance light
Sooo, at what point do I express my sovereign citizenship, so that I can pour on the attitude to the DOT inspector? I know my rights! 😆
Where I am from not knowing how to go around the scale....you are not a real trucker! Especially now that we have truckerspath. If it weigh station are open 45 miles before you get there find another route around the chicken coup
Pretty good video. You are absolutely correct.The more you look like you take care of your truck, the less likely they're going to pull you in for any reason.
Right on
that was not a steering pump,, its a gear box,,
I be new driver soon and i can understand and respect why they to inspect and have you do all your pti etc I mean this thing is a bullet train with 60k pounds so yea I don't mind lets all be safe out there
_If you buy a truck make sure you don’t get a Detroit DD 13, it’s a smaller engine but it’s costly when it comes to repairs_
except that it never breaks. My DD13 is going to outlast the chassis it is in at this point