"Steve W." wrote in message
...
Ignoramus1032 wrote:
On 2011-08-13, MTBSW wrote:
same rules and regulations. A fact that some of them refuse to believe
until one of their trucks gets pulled over for a road side inspection.

Can you tell me, what kind of stuff is involved in a "roadside
inspection"?

i

Well the first step is for you to get either pulled into the lot from the
coop OR you get flagged down along the road.
Usually they will have you pull onto scales OR if it's a fixed coop you
will drive on them. They look at overall weight, plus weight balance (too
much weight on one axle or similar)

Next they will ask you for ALL the paperwork for the load, the vehicle and
yourself, PLUS if you have a co-driver who is awake they can ask for
theirs as well. (log book, license, physical card, truck registration,
insurance cards, HUT tag, Inspection tag and some other stuff)
They will run all of that while they also look over your vehicle. They
look at virtually anything that could be a safety problem.

Usually they will look at the manifest and may ask you to open the box or
uncover the load. If something isn't secured correctly they will write it
down. Then they will check ALL the lights, ask to see your flares/triangle
kit, extinguisher, have you start the rig and pump down the brakes to see
if the low air warning works then watch to see if the compressor kicks on
and shuts off. Then check the horn, steering play and more. Then they go
back outside and will check any topside stuff like air lines, loose
equipment. Then they crawl under it and check for broken springs,
oil/air/coolant leaks, brake travel and pad/shoe wear. Tire wear and
inflation. They will also pull a fuel sample to ensure you are not trying
to avoid taxes by running NON-OTR fuel. Exhaust leaks or missing items.
They will also look at the trailer, you are responsible for ANY fault they
find, whether you own the rig or not.

If everything is OK they will hand you back all your stuff and send you on
your way. If they find something wrong they will write you up a ticket(s)
and if it's an out of service violation (over hours or major failure on
the truck) they will red tag you. With a red tag the truck doesn't move
until it's repaired. I have been red tagged twice. Once for a broken
spring leaf (broke somewhere after my pre-trip) and once for a bad brake
can. Not real bad considering the years and miles spent out there.



--
Steve W.

They do much of the same for commercial trucks over 10,000 GVW, but
apparently only if they look commercial like a cab over style, while
duallies and overloaded vans get a free pass. It's a significant potential
liability.