Not Commonly Known DOT Inspection Checks

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{"text":"Most truckers are not aware of some aspects of DOT CSA inspections.\r\n\r\n\"STAY IN THE TRUCK SO WE CAN CHECK YOU OUT\"\r\nYears ago, if a driver was pulled in by a DOT officer, the driver would present their log records, bills of lading, operating authority and walked back to meet the officer.\r\n\r\nNow, the officers don’t want the truck driver to leave the truck. They mostly insist the driver stay seated in the vehicle, with both hands on the wheel and seat belt on, until they get up to the door of the vehicle.  Then, they ask the driver to open the door and begin a conversation with the driver.\r\n\r\nThe purpose of walking up to the truck with the door open is so the officer can look at the inside of the cab, especially on the floor of the truck.\r\n\r\nThe officer is actually doing a ‘sniff test’ for drugs and alcohol as soon as the door is opened. as well as looking for anything else incriminating on the floor.  He looks for anything from an empty beer can to tiny round burn marks on the carpet or seats, burns from marijuana seeds.\r\n\r\nVery small round burn marks in the carpet or upholstery are different from burn marks left from cigarettes. A DOT officer can tell the difference between the two substances.  Detection of the small round burn marks gave them probable cause to look in the cab for drugs.  If the driver refuses, the DOT can call the state troopers and the truck would be searched in their presence.\r\n\r\n\"LET’S TALK\"\r\nSomething else the office will do is engage the driver in conversation. A nervous driver will make mistakes when talking, such as where he last stopped for a coffee.  The officer will then check the time the driver states against his log book, attempting to catch him in a lie.\r\n\r\nNO SPARE TIRE\r\nNot having a spare tire secured in the tire rack is also an automatic out of service.\r\n\r\nThese are just some! Share your thoughts too, leave a comment!\r\nHaul safe, Haul Proud!\r\n","pics":"[{\"description\":\"\",\"height\":360.0,\"name\":\"17406/android_1550841863805.jpg\",\"url\":\"\",\"width\":360.0}]","canComment":true}