DOT Inspection

tweed · Jun 17, 2006

hey everyone, I have two quick questions. when hauling a load and you come up to some scales and they pull you in to check you. What exactly should I have ready for them to see...paper work ect...so I can get back on my way in a timely fashion??
and ...when getting to the loading docks am I required to use my landing gear everytime I load?? even if its a light load, or does it matter?? Thanks in advance for your responses!!!!

RichM · Jun 17, 2006

You should have your Bill of Lading,your logbook, your registration and insurance plus if you are a D or E unit your State IRP apportioned registration. Also of course your D license and MedicaL Card.

As far as landing gear goes,I generally check the dock personel to see if they are going to use a F/Lift or pallet jack. With a F/Lift you should always lower your landing gear and if in doubt lower them anyway. It's also important to check and make sure the F/Lift is not too tall to fit in your box.

rode2rouen · Jun 17, 2006

Paperwork needed: (NOTE: The documents asked for may vary from state to state)

Current CDL w/correct endorsements for yourself
DOT Physical Card
Cab Card for the truck
Insurance Card for truck
Log Book current to the last change of duty status
Paperwork for load in truck

If you have this info handy, you will usually have the bases covered for a Level 3 Inspection.

Rex

tweed · Jun 17, 2006

Thanks guys....I appreciate the response!!! BIG HELP!!!!

arkjarhead · Jun 18, 2006

About the inspection. I keep all the documents the other two gentlemen stored neatly in a breif case with nothing else in it except my emergency response handbook(for hazmat) and my fmcsa guidelines book as well. The green books are handy to have in case you recieve a violation you can nicely ask the officer where it is in the book mark the page study it to help make sure you don't make the same mistake. The breifcase sits behind the passenger seat so when I get pulled in I grab it and go and everthing I need is there for a good presentation. Some may disagree but I feel presentation is 90% of the battle. If you appear to be a pro they will be more likely to treat you as a pro. I learned that in the service. If you want to be treated like you know nothing act like you know nothing, but if you want to be treated like a pro act as one.
On the issue of the saftey legs I put them down as soon as I back to the dock everytime. Just something i do.

Broompilot · Jun 19, 2006

I have been picked on for this appearance thing but its just my nature. Ironed dress shirts the thick cowboy kind at Tractor Supply, nice shorts or CLEAN Jeans, belt, and work boots that do not look dumb with shorts. First impression you only get one and when it comes to a law enforcement officer the fewer the questions the better. I always feel relieved to walk away with a good feeling as job well done.

All of my paperwork is stored in a Nice Three Ring binder with plastic see through sheets so they are visable without removal. (learned this the hard way) VA removed my PICO sheet and did not put it back O.K. wanted to see it and gave me a ticket for not having it, it was there before VA. Every piece of legal paperwork for the truck is in there except for my Drivers Liscence, Med card etc....is all in that book.

This suggestion is from other PROFESSIONAL Drivers, a CLEAN TRUCK, with good rubber and the fewer the leaks the better.

Do you actually do a PTI or just fill in the blanks, I know of a guy just last week got a Level 1 and the only thing wrong was turn signal bulb out in the front. Than told me he just had the truck inspected the month before and it was working, hmmm long time between inspections I thought..