b" 2020 Marketer InformationRULES & RegulationsCONFESSIONSCounsel W of a Roadside Inspector !Mark S. Morgan, Esqatee DPMAA Regulatory Washington, D.C.I had the unusual 2. Be Neat and Clean to Avoid Being Targeted for ae thavopportunity recently to have an extended S conversationwithastatepoliceofficer Full-Blown Inspectionwho performs roadside inspections of commercial mo- Inspectors cant inspect every truck that rolls by, but there tor vehicles. I met the Inspector at a dinner party withare things inspectors look for when targeting a driver or friends. I had never met this person before but as we sat andtruckforfull-blowninspection.Theinspectorwilldefinitelytalked, our conversation eventually got around to what wecheck driver safety and compliance records and look for a both did for a living. After disclosing our respective profes- broken light or some other obvious fault. However, inspec-sions, it became evident that we had something in com- tors also use their past experience to identify a potential mon; his job was check CDL drivers and their trucks forviolation that a cursory inspection won't reveal. The inspec-noncompliance with U.S. DOT regulations, while my job istorIwastalkingwithsayshefirstwalksaroundthetruckto ensure that those very same trucks and drivers stayed inand then asks the driver for the required papers. While the compliance with federal transportation regulations. I real- driver is collecting the papers, the inspector takes a good ized immediately that I stumbled upon a unique opportunitylook inside the cab. If the cab is clean and organized, then to get some inside information on roadside inspectionsit is a strong indication the driver cares, is organized, and from an inspectors point of view. To learn what goes onthe equipment is well-maintainedin most cases. On the in the mind of the guy on the other side of the truck door.other hand, if the cab is strewn with clothing, tools, papers, I was most interested to learn how the decision is madeused food containers and empty soda cups (in other words to conduct a full Level I inspection of truck and driver asa mess), then it is likely the driver and/or motor carrier who opposed to a conducting a simple cursory check of shippingowns the equipment is careless and disorganizeda sign papers and CDL license, etc. What triggers a full-blown in- that more serious problems may exist that only a Level I spection? Most of what I learned is simple common sense.inspection can uncover. An unkempt cab may make the Unfortunately, common sense does not always prevail. So,difference between a quick cursory check, and a thank heres what I learned and what drivers and motor carriersyou, off you go from the inspector and a full-blown Level I should keep in mind about roadside inspections: inspection that will seriously disrupt a drivers day. Driv-ers should keep their cabs clean and organized. It actually 1. Yes, Inspectors Have Inspection Quotasmakes a difference when it comes to roadside inspections. Inspectors do not have quotas for issuing tickets, despiteNobody will be conducting a white glove test, but it prob-what most drivers think. Citation quotas are illegal. But,ably wont help if a soda bottle tumbles out when the door inspectors do in fact have quarterly inspection quotas thatis opened for the inspector. must be met in order to maintain their inspecting creden- 3. Keep Paperwork Easily Accessible and Organizedtials. The inspection quotas keep inspectors knowledgeableOnce an inspector stops a truck and gives it a cursory of not only driver and equipment requirements, but also uplook for both obvious and potential problems, the driver to date on any regulatory or procedural changes that maywill be asked for the required paperwork. Drivers without occur.Itbenefitseveryonewheninspectorsareexperienced organized paperwork may just as well put an Inspect Me and on top of their game. Since inspectors must meet theirPleasesignontheirbacks.Itisabigredflagtoinspec-quarterly inspection quotas, drivers who otherwise havetors if a drivers paperwork is disorganized and stashed in theirpaperworkandequipmentfullyinordermaystillfind different places throughout the cab. The ability to drive in themselves subject to a comprehensive Level I inspection.and out of an inspection area with just a cursory check and Myinspectorfriendtoldmeitisnotdifficulttofillhis a thank you is greatly diminished if a driver cant access quota with vehicles and drivers deserving inspection, butthe requested papers in a timely and organized manner. In-occasionally he must pull over for inspection drivers thatstead, expect to be told to pull over for a more thorough are clearly in full compliance. Too often, drivers who areinspection. Drivers hauling petroleum products are required meticulous at properly maintaining their paperwork andto keep a lot of information on board. The required paper-equipment in good working order take offense at beingwork includes: pulled. But it sometimes happens. It may just be the end of the quarter when inspection quotas must be met and hasMedicalExaminersCertificatenothing to do with the driver or the truck being inspected.Record of Duty Status (long haul drivers)Myinspectoradvisesdriverstojustgowiththeflowandnot to take offense. It's just part of the process. Daily Vehicle Inspection Reportcontinued on page 22WPMA News / Spring 202019"