DOT inspections occur at nationwide weigh stations, but they involve more than simply taking the gross vehicle weight. It's a comprehensive inspection that involves a walkaround of the vehicle. Some are more thorough than others, depending on the level of the inspection. Whether you're the owner or using truck rental, here are some ways to stay ready for a DOT inspection.

4 Steps to Prepare Your Semi-Truck for a DOT Inspection

1. Fill Out the Appropriate Forms

One of the most important parts of DOT inspections is ensuring you have the proper documentation. You'll need to complete daily vehicle inspection reports (DVIR) and be thorough. Luckily, you can do these electronically, so truck rental drivers can easily access them whenever needed.

2. Utilize Proper Maintenance

Another key aspect of preparing for (and passing) a DOT inspection is utilizing proper fleet maintenance. You'll need to regularly undergo preventative maintenance in order to keep your drivers safe, reduce liability, and avoid any violations. 

Luckily, maintenance will also help you reduce more expensive repairs or breakdowns, so staying up to date with scheduled inspections is worth it. This includes body checks, oil changes, transmission inspections, brakes, rotor tests, and more.

3. Keep Detailed Records

Detailed logs and record keeping are integral to truck rental, so be as thorough as possible. These records should include things like driver behavior reporting, any violations that have occurred, and detailed information regarding the fleets. This should include the license plate of each truck, model and year, vehicle identification number, tire size, and information on the truck's owner.

4. Have Driver Qualifications Available

The Department of Transportation requires very specific qualifications for CDL drivers. To pass the inspection, you must ensure that each driver's qualifications are readily available and easy to access. These qualifications should include things like safety performance history, drug/alcohol tests, DOT certifications, any violations, motor vehicle records, and more.

When you're in need of a truck rental, turn to the experts at TAM Truck & Trailer Service in Gainesville, GA. This family-owned and -operated trailer rental and repair company offers customers a diverse selection of trucks, trailers, and exclusive products to make navigating the highways as smooth as possible. Their repair and maintenance services include DOT inspections, tire replacements, complete body repairs, and more. To learn more about their comprehensive range of services, visit their website, or call (770) 287-1900 to schedule an appointment today.