DOT Blitz Week 2024 | What Every Truck Driver Should Know

[@chadmock5883]

A good week for all truck drivers to go on vacation at once.

[@OverTheRoadATS]

😂

[@franciscomedel5587]

That’s what’s I’m doing lol

[@godsent3057]

I just don’t stop at weight stations problem solved

[@MarcusThomas-cc2po]

If you come through Colorado you better be right. They’re all over I 70

[@wethepplwhorblackerthanblu6442]

As someone who's been driving close to 30 years this is quite routine right now it's when they start doing a level 3 to 6 they start going under both the truck and the trailer

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Thanks for your insight! Any suggestions on how to make those inspections smoother?

[@Mojave9370]

Time to go fishing.

[@OverTheRoadATS]

😂

[@truckingwithtobee]

I’ve been on the road all day today. I haven’t seen even one Dot officer from Vegas to Phoenix and back. Not one truck pulled over🤷🏼‍♀️

[@OverTheRoadATS]

That’s interesting. You’d expect to see some presence on the road. Maybe they're focusing on different routes or times. Stay safe on your travels!

[@truckingwithtobee]

@@OverTheRoadATS Muther Trucker also went around Florida where he’s at. He also said that he didn’t see one DOT officer or one truck that was pulled over now that’s two states that haven’t seen any action. I’m out here for a second day….. Nothing

[@OverTheRoadATS]

@@truckingwithtobee Wow! I heard there's a lot of inspections happening in Georgia right now. Keep us updated if you can!

[@Sractchdeez]

4 day vacation

[@OverTheRoadATS]

LOL

[@rags-fv6ko]

Had a bad storm in Houston. Best thing is have a clean truck it’s seems like a money grab especially if your just starting out

[@pointnIaugh]

And they wonder why drivers quit.

[@OverTheRoadATS]

We definitely don’t want to see them quit! How can we better support our drivers during Blitz Week?

[@pointnIaugh]

@@OverTheRoadATS Maybe by cancelling "Blitz Week". Maybe they should have a "Blitz Week"on cars, they would probably make more money .

[@joeyr88]

@@pointnIaugh yes. And get rid of the fmsca

[@maidenrulz73]

Why would you quit….too much work to do a pre trip and report any problems?

[@pointnIaugh]

@@maidenrulz73 Exactly, these garbage trucking companies expect drivers to do all this extra stuff for FREE!!!

[@ZZ-topp]

Every week of every year is blitz week.every state wants to reach into your pockets and take your money

[@OverTheRoadATS]

It can really seem like that. What are your tips for inspections?

[@ZZ-topp]

@@OverTheRoadATS curtious to start. No one likes it but the more respectful you are to them the more they usually are to you!

[@Road-To-Destination.]

How many of those DOT locations would be around if they were inspecting regular vehicles? Not many, a lot of them would be shot at as well. Because citizens would not be putting up with this stupidity. This is another reason why EVERY company driver should not work for less than prevailing wage, be on hourly pay of no less than $40 PH, overtime after 8 or 40. And, be part of a union.

[@OverTheRoadATS]

I see your point, but I think we should consider why commercial vehicles are inspected more strictly. Safety is a huge concern. Regular vehicle drivers generally aren't subject to the same standards because their vehicles aren't operating under the same risks and regulations. While it's important for all drivers, including commercial ones, to receive fair wages, the level of inspection is necessary to maintain road safety and prevent larger accidents.

[@Road-To-Destination.]

@@OverTheRoadATS fact, trucks cause less accidents than non CMV’s. Fact, as a whole, non trucking accidents produce more damage, overall, than that of a cmv… Fact, trucking insurance limits have been going up due to lawyers wanting more money and not based on an amount of damage caused. Fact, if drivers were not working for less than prevailing wage, mega carriers would have greater incentive to lobby for fairness instead of undercutting each other and causing havoc… fact: violation fines are greater for cmv that those of a passenger vehicle, hence it is a money grab on the gov’t part. Fact; a lot of carriers prefer to pay a ticket vs fight it. Which is that would locals would do and not elect judges and officials. Should I go on? A some people need to get their head out of the place where the sun doesn’t shine.

[@OverTheRoadATS]

While you bring up some valid points about the economics and legal aspects affecting truck drivers, the reality is that when a truck is involved in an accident, the consequences can be far more severe due to its mass and size. The focus on commercial vehicles is a measure for public safety. Regardless, thank you for sharing your views. It's good to discuss these issues and understand different perspectives on truck regulations and their effects on the industry.

[@Road-To-Destination.]

@@OverTheRoadATS , nothing has changed, weight wise. And, lobbyists, those who will blow anything for few dollars, are pushing for even more weight to be put on the trucks. So, GVW stayed the same, and looking to increase by the special Interest groups. So, brakes are better, tires are different, equipment stops faster and safer now than it did before. And yet, somehow, it creates more damage now than before? B/s, this verdict is for uneducated bunch and those who are pushing the same agenda and keeping the vail over the eyes of those that aren’t in the industry. Again, if company drivers were smart enough and not work for less than prevailing wages, plus per diem, stupid things like these would not have existed. On the same note, brokers and carriers who are popping overnight and do undercut each other - wouldn’t exist either. Speaking of, increase the bond on the broker isn’t the answer either. Having drivers who will not be slaves, on the other hand, is.

[@robertlee7606]

It doesn’t matter if you are injured by an unsafe truck or car, hurt is hurt.

[@kevinimp8217]

how to prepare for blitz week step 1 take a weeks vacation problem solved

[@lieslhale]

Guess traffic will be heavy tonight……

[@brentwoelk3491]

You could pay me any amount of money to be a truck driver over road. I'm fixing to get my cdl so I can drive the bucket trucks at work and I don't think it's going to be worth the raise I'll get for getting them

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Getting your CDL is a big step-congrats on taking it! It's true, driving over the road isn't for everyone, and it sounds like you've found a great alternative with the bucket trucks. What are you most excited about?

[@k.c.marshall921]

Could or couldn't??

[@milesstamps7394]

If you’re compliant what’s the problem?

[@OverTheRoadATS]

AMEN 👏🏼👏🏼

[@trackboyjstyles]

I just got put out of service thanks to my employer for putting me with a drunk teammate who keeps bottles under his mattress. Smdh

[@OverTheRoadATS]

No way! I'm really sorry to hear that. What did your employer have to say about it?

[@trackboyjstyles]

@@OverTheRoadATS he got sent home. I got an 5 day suspension. That's why i HATE team driving smfh

[@Chad-wk2pm]

U don't sleep in the truck anyway

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Over the road drivers do!

[@Chad-wk2pm]

Ban over the road trucks due to lack of sleep and dangerous to traffic

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Thanks for sharing your concerns! In the trucking industry, safety is always a top priority. Professional drivers follow strict regulations for rest and sleep to ensure they're alert and prepared for the road. Maintaining these standards helps keep everyone on the road safe, and the industry continuously works to improve practices for even safer highways.

[@TruckerZac8424]

It’s called the yearly cash grab blitz week where every year they pretend to care about safety to reach into your pockets

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Do you have any tips for new drivers going through their first blitz week?

[@TruckerZac8424]

@@OverTheRoadATS watch your weight make sure all your lights work and don’t act nervous if you do get pulled in for inspection most dot officers are pretty cool as long as you show them respect

[@OverTheRoadATS]

@@TruckerZac8424 Great advice! Thank you!

[@Chad-wk2pm]

Trucks are made to be driven not lived in

[@OverTheRoadATS]

Over the road drivers do both!