{"id":1408,"date":"2017-06-21T16:48:17","date_gmt":"2017-06-21T16:48:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/quicktransportsolutions.com\/blog\/?p=1408"},"modified":"2017-06-21T16:48:17","modified_gmt":"2017-06-21T16:48:17","slug":"truck-drivers-how-to-prepare-for-and-survive-a-dot-inspection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/quicktransportsolutions.com\/blog\/truck-drivers-how-to-prepare-for-and-survive-a-dot-inspection\/","title":{"rendered":"Truck Drivers – How To Prepare For And Survive A DOT Inspection"},"content":{"rendered":"

We recently covered all the different types of Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections that you could find yourself at the receiving end of. But the question is, what do you do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The fact is, professional truck drivers should learn the dangers of driving a defective commercial motor vehicle and become proficient in detecting and reporting problems. You\u2019ll want to make sure you catch the problem before it either grows into a bigger problem or gets you hit with a ding on your next inspection.<\/p>\n

What to Check<\/strong><\/p>\n

First, start with checking all your vehicle\u2019s equipment. Although your tires<\/a> may rarely blow out, they may have deflated a little or have sidewall damage. You\u2019ll want to check them for proper inflation by using a digital pressure gauge.<\/p>\n

Another thing to consider are the rules and regulation surrounding the use of mud flaps in your state. In some states splashguards and mud flaps are required.<\/p>\n

Also, ensure all your lights are in functioning working order. Check both your break, headlights, high and low beams.<\/p>\n

Finally, address any cracks you find, even small window cracks. They can quickly become much worse if they aren\u2019t immediately addressed. Flying gravel can cause hairline cracks and stars, which you can be penalized for in a DOT inspection.<\/p>\n

Cleanliness and Documentation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your vehicle could be in the best shape it has ever been in, but if your cab isn\u2019t neat and tidy, you\u2019re already giving the inspector a bad impression, which could lead him or her to be even more thorough.<\/p>\n

But if your house is in order, with documents and a fire extinguisher all where they need to be, the inspection process will run very smoothly.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you need to know to be completely prepared:<\/p>\n