It's a Team's Life

DOT Inspections

DOT Inspections

Recently, we were called into a scale house with a hazmat load. Fortunately, my husband Dave was driving. I say fortunately because any time I get called into a scale I get so nervous that I will do something wrong to get a violation. The DOT inspector gave us a Level One inspection which we passed with flying colors. I breathed a sigh of relief.

How often do you get called in for an inspection of any level? This was the first inspection that we have had on our “new” truck. I put “new” in quotation marks because our truck is now three years old and had roughly 420,000 miles on it when this inspection was done.

What was the method in which you were pulled over for the inspection? On one occasion, I was followed by a squad car with lights on. I pulled over. The officer first informed me that I had done nothing wrong. He then instructed me to go to the rest area that was up ahead. I did as instructed. He wanted to perform a Level One inspection; however, once he saw our Onspot chains he opted to do a Level Three inspection instead. 

On another occasion I was pulled into a building where a Level One inspection was done. A small air leak was found under the hood. I was given a warning but was not put out of service. I was furious! That same day I was called into another scale in a different state where a Level One inspection was performed. I passed with flying colors. I called our Safety Department to question how to handle the situation. I was informed that just because the second inspector did not hear an air leak did not mean that it did not exist. I was stuck with my warning and my twelve points. Needless to say, I was still furious. 

As I look back at some of the inspections that we have been through over the years, I have walked away with learning more in each situation. While some of the outcomes were not ideal I still took something away from having gone through the experience. In the end, I appreciate the fact that these DOT office are just trying to do a job like we all are. They make sure that we are up to date and are driving equipment that is safe and keeps all around us safe as well.

Here’s to millions of SAFE and prosperous miles

Kelly Plumb