Q&A with an inspector at one of the most notorious scales in the country.
Here’s a Q&A with Mr. G - CHP - an inspector at one of the most notorious scales in the country, in Southern California. He’s got some great tips to get you through the upcoming safety blitz June 4-6th.
Thanks for your time Mr G. Now how the heck do we avoid getting stopped during the blitz?
The best way to get through the scale or avoid being pulled over is having a clean truck. Roll through or to a stop with confidence. Be smooth. Coming in hot into the lane or catching gears will get you noticed. We know you don't want to be there. But for the enforcement period you could get pulled over for anything, so drive at your best. If you’re actually aware of the days, you’re already 50% ahead of the general industry. If you know how to do a thorough inspection, you’ll be fine. They’re saying we’ll be focusing on steering and suspension. Check all the rubber, look for rust, shiny spots...check your bushings for cracked or totally gone bushings. It's sad, but we’ve seen people roll in without any, and not even know where to find the bushings if they were there at all. Whether you FEEL or not like your ride is a little rough, or you’re rocking, know where the main bushings are, and make sure they look good. Know your equipment. Make sure all of your rubber looks good. Steering radius. Check your box. Check if you can turn all the way so that you’re touching something you shouldn't be. Check the pitman arm. If it's causing some shine or wear, you've got a problem. When we’re looking at steering and suspension we’re looking for any rust, and shiny spots, especially on the pitman arm and around it and or around the box. A failed pitman means no steering. That alone should wake you up in the middle of the night, or at least early enough to take a look on a regular basis. But for an example... let's say YOU noticed your turning radius was a little too far, or a lot of play, etc.. and you went under to check out that pitman arm, and notice if there's a shiny spot(s) in or around that area where something is rubbing on something; you would then want to fix your steering issue. Then I would find some matching paint to protect the spot so that rust doesn’t occur or cause an unexpected shutdown. Make it look good.
If you do get pulled in -
Moving trucks. We know they are kind of a pain to get under, especially some of the old Kentucky’s, and because we know that it is that way for us, especially the open car haulers, we know guys don't get under there enough sometimes. So get under there. Check your brakes. Lines, etc. Get under there before we do.
ELogs - Know what personal conveyance is. The question is: Are you getting paid to go there? Just today a guy was going from Phoenix to Fontana, CA. Answered poorly. Shut down.
Plan Prior to scales - You know if you're going to go through the scales. Do your pre-inspection trip extra better on those days. For those special enforcement days. Do it every day, every time you get in the truck.
Level one is everything you already know. Lights -be ready to replace any with some tools on hand, movers typically have a lot of tools but at least have a damn screwdriver. Tires, pressure, and tread all need to be in great shape.
Airlines should not, better not, be covered in tape. Make yourself a list, and don't be lazy, especially on those days. Most importantly, use some common sense. Drivers who have none should NOT be in a rig. Right now companies are putting anyone in them. It’s pretty scary some of the stuff we see; makes it a pain on everyone doing it the right way. It's about safety in the end.
The other levels are a breeze if you have quick and easy access to your paperwork. Flip-flops, horrible BO, and overall poor personal hygiene won't win you points either. Movers generally take care of their equipment as a whole. Swift, England Snyder...those drivers are just bodies. Those are where we find the predominant violations. But we know it's your busy season, and people get tired running as hard as you guys do. Take care of yourself. Have common sense. Be organized. And in the end, be nice.
On a lighter note, why did you get out of the truck and join what many of us all dark side?
I’m married to a wife I actually really wanted to spend time with lol!
We want to thank Mr. G who is a friend to the mover and we appreciate him being willing to weigh-in on member questions or concerns. If you have some questions, let us know.
