Arizona DOT Enforcement Blitz This Week.

Any way to mitigate taking a hit and get around the stepped up checkpoints?

My only trucking friend says they will always find something wrong at these stops. Said he got a written warning on a brand new trailer with 150 miles on it: for 2 lines which had touched just enough to clear off a small amount of dust, as a potential hazard.

Doesn't sound bad, but I saw a video where a company fined a driver for each warning or ticket -the video said he picked up a nail in a trailer tire since that morning's pre-trip.

Your life will be a lot easier and enjoyable if you cut back on the information you are taking in on YouTube. Most of it isn't even true, but you don't yet know how to decipher it.

I don't know how many of these safety blitzes I have been through, but it's a good many. I have never been detained for long or had any problems with them being too aggressive. In fact I can only think of one time that I got the slightest ding on an inspection and that wasn't even during a safety blitz. Do your PTIs and take care of your responsibilities - you'll be fine.

Any way to mitigate taking a hit and get around the stepped up checkpoints?

My only trucking friend says they will always find something wrong at these stops. Said he got a written warning on a brand new trailer with 150 miles on it: for 2 lines which had touched just enough to clear off a small amount of dust, as a potential hazard.

Doesn't sound bad, but I saw a video where a company fined a driver for each warning or ticket -the video said he picked up a nail in a trailer tire since that morning's pre-trip.

In six years I've never been pulled in/over at all. (knocking on wood)

Who I do see pulled over in LARGE numbers are owner operators or the guys that own the 3500 series pickups that tow three or four cars. They get nailed CONSTANTLY!

Mom & Pops and hot shots get the bulk of the attention. PTI and go on about your business like normal.

Try to take an unorthodox way around a weigh/inspection station, and they'll be waiting for you. THAT is when they'll pick you apart.

I had a level 1 inspection in California. I've had issues with valves on certain trailers discharging air sporadically. Well, it just so happened to be discharging during the inspection. The CHP inspector checked to make sure the compressor compensated for the air loss from the valve. Although they noted it as violation for the trailer I got no ticket and they sent me on my way. The inspection report said just to get it fixed before redispatch.

And this was Commiefornia.

I've been driving about 3 1/2 years and haven't been lucky enough to get an inspection. I keep the truck I'm in looking nice with the dashboard clear, make sure my weights are legal and remain calm on the scale to not draw attention to myself like I have something to hide. I'm confident enough in my pretrip to not worry. Sometimes things do happen mid trip but thats why I do a quick walk-around anytime I return to the truck after stopping. Many times your attitude when dealing with law enforcement will play a role in what the outcome to your interaction is. Remember, the DOT is out there to help ensure OUR safety, as well as the general public. In an industry where profit margins are so tight its possible our companies wouldn't maintain their equipment as well if there weren't severe repercussions for failing to do so.

Regarding nails in tires it definitely happens and is easy to miss. Our trailers have auto inflate and its easy to spot because a light on the front left corner of the trailer illuminates.

One other thing regarding checkpoints. Often times they announce these crackdowns because even if you don't get pulled in for an inspection you're likely to pay extra attention to the condition of your vehicle. Its similar to when the highway patrol announces they're cracking down on speeding or they have extra enforcement for drunk driving. We're more mindful of the infraction and likely take the proper steps to not violate the law. Some laws and jurisdiction appear to be money grabs, but I feel this is not one of them. If it was why would they announce it instead of just pulling us all in and catching us off guard. Things happen mid trip, but if you're too stupid to ensure your trucks suspension is in acceptable condition knowing they're focusing on that, then that's on you. Often (but not all) times our equipment shows signs that its in need of repair before it becomes an out of service type situation.

Cajunwon asks:

Any way to mitigate taking a hit and get around the stepped up checkpoints?

Get one of these.

Yes, often get ytubed into believing misleading information.... ...TT to the rescue

Copied the CVSA sticker, on my way to Kinko's now so I'll have it if I ever get a truck! ...................... jk :)

Copied the CVSA sticker, on my way to Kinko's now so I'll have it if I ever get a truck! ...................... jk :)