Truck drivers are used to DOT inspection, for them, the DOT inspection is a regular event. Despite the fact that every truck driver is inspected for the DOT, there are many who fail the inspection, and that costs them almost $851, excluding fines and repair expenses.
Thus, running a trucking company is not that easy, it is more than just managing loads, it is in fact about the maintenance of trucks.
A trucker has to comply with the annual Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
The question is, what is needed to pass the DOT inspection?
Every year, the CVSA focuses on specific aspects of the inspection. So, when you are preparing yourself to pass the DOT inspection, keep in mind that the CVSA is looking specifically for violations with lights and hours of service.
So, we're talking about this on Trucker Social so you can get ready and stay ready, even if you get inspected out of the blue.
But here is something you need to understand. The DOT is not your adversary, in fact, they are trying to save your life and make it simpler, and they want to ensure that your truck is secure and won’t have any issues while you’re driving.
Here are the tips for clearing DOT's inspection:
- Keeps your papers updated and well organized
The first thing that will be checked during a DOT inspection is your paperwork. So, keep the documents updated and well organized to clear this first stage of inspection smoothly.
The required documents are:
- Driver’s license.
- Driver’s daily log and hours of service.
- Driver and vehicle inspection report.
- Medical card and waiver
- List of drugs and alcohol
- Hazmat documents
- Take preventive maintenance of your truck
DOT inspectors always conduct a thorough inspection of the truck, and if they find anything wrong with the truck's maintenance, they take serious note of it. This is why you should create a truck maintenance checklist before embarking on your journey and then take care of the items as needed.
Things you should keep a close eye on are:
- Brakes
- Frame and van
- Coupling devices
- Lighting
- Steering
- Securing the cargo
- Fuel and exhaust systems
- Suspension
- Tires, wheels, rims and hubs
- Safety equipment
- Remain positive during the DOT inspection
We must acknowledge that DOT is not our competitor, they are not our enemy, and these inspectors are there to help us and ensure our safety as well as the safety of US highways.
Any inspector is happier and remains motivated to complete the inspection quickly if you interact with them positively.
- Be polite and professional: To the best of your ability, practice being patient and kind. At the end of the day, they are making every effort to carry out their tasks and complete them on schedule, right?
- Listen and follow directions: When you are given several instructions quickly, be sure to pay close attention. Please don't hesitate to clarify anything. If something is unclear, seek clarification.
- Ask for clarifications: Don't start a quarrel if you receive a violation that you don't agree with. Instead, seek clarification from the inspector. If you do not change your mind, do not express your displeasure to the inspector. Get in touch with your manager right away. The business may submit a "Data Q" to contest the violation if it is actually the case that you were written up in error. Arguments that start as a result of disappointment could escalate unnecessarily and haphazardly. Accept the results and inform your driver manager as soon as you can.
Remember, every state manages the inspections differently as per their state’s law and order, so whenever you’re pulled into an inspection, remain vigilant for directions.
If you follow these tips provided by Trucker Social for passing DOT inspection, you can get back to trucking very quickly!
