Why Weigh Stations Can No Longer Perform Voluntary DOT Inspections

For owner-operators and small fleets, roadside inspections have become a necessary part of doing business—not just for compliance, but also to meet the growing demands of brokers.

Unfortunately, getting an inspection on demand is no longer an option, and many drivers find themselves stuck in a frustrating cycle as a result.

Let’s explore why weigh stations can no longer perform voluntary DOT inspections and the impact this policy has on the trucking industry.

The Inspection Dilemma

Many brokers now require carriers to have recent roadside inspection data as part of their vetting process. Inspections serve as proof of a motor carrier’s legitimacy and safety record, especially in an industry plagued by fraud.

For carriers with no recent inspections—whether they are new to the industry or have gone months without being pulled over for a random check—this can create a major barrier to securing loads.

Owner-operators seeking to solve this problem often think, Why not just pull into a weigh station and ask for an inspection? However, due to changes in federal funding policies, it’s no longer that simple.

FMCSA’s Funding Policy and Its Impact

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has instructed state enforcement agencies that they will not receive federal funds for inspections conducted outside of mandatory requirements.

• Mandatory Inspections: These include inspections initiated at weigh stations, random roadside checks, or during enforcement actions following a violation or safety concern.
• Voluntary Inspections: Previously, some states allowed carriers to request inspections at weigh stations or DOT offices. These inspections helped drivers meet broker requirements or verify compliance. However, under the FMCSA’s funding guidelines, states are no longer incentivized to conduct these additional inspections, as they are not covered under federal reimbursement.

This policy shift essentially discourages states from performing voluntary inspections, even when carriers request them.

States must focus their limited resources on mandatory inspections, leaving drivers without an avenue to proactively meet broker demands.

Why Brokers Rely on Inspections

Brokers often view roadside inspections as a safeguard against fraud, especially when working with carriers that lack a robust inspection history.

In an era of rising scams and fraudulent carrier setups, brokers use inspections as a quick verification tool:

• A recent inspection shows that a carrier is active and compliant.
• A lack of inspection history raises red flags, particularly for new DOT numbers.

For legitimate carriers, this reliance on inspection data can feel unfair. Drivers who haven’t been randomly inspected are often penalized, despite having excellent safety records or decades of experience.

The Frustration for Drivers

The inability to request a voluntary inspection puts owner-operators in a bind. Even drivers with pristine safety records find themselves rejected by brokers for something beyond their control.

A common scenario involves drivers considering whether they can still pull into a weigh station to request an inspection or visit a DOT office for the same purpose. However, they quickly learn:

• Weigh Stations: Officers at weigh stations generally cannot conduct inspections unless prompted by standard procedures (e.g., random selection or visible issues with the vehicle).
• DOT Offices: Most DOT offices do not perform inspections, as they focus on administrative tasks and regulatory enforcement.

Additionally, drivers often wonder whether they need to bring their trailer or if bobtailing is sufficient. Unfortunately, even these efforts are unlikely to result in an inspection without a valid reason initiated by enforcement.

What Can Carriers Do?

While the current system creates challenges, there are a few strategies owner-operators can consider:

1. Operate Safely and Maintain Compliance: While you can’t control when inspections happen, maintaining your equipment and staying compliant increases the likelihood of passing random inspections with flying colors.
2. Proactively Ask Brokers for Flexibility: Educate brokers on the challenges carriers face in getting inspections. Highlight your experience, safety record, references, and clean operating history as proof of reliability.
3. Utilize Industry Networks: Partner with dispatchers or freight services that may have better access to brokers willing to work with carriers lacking recent inspections.
4. Leverage Third-Party Credentials: Some third-party safety programs offer certifications or audits that can serve as alternative proof of compliance, which brokers might accept.
5. Advocate for Change: As an industry, carriers and brokers must push for FMCSA or state-level changes to allow for voluntary inspections, ensuring a fairer system for all parties.

Our DOT Essentials Program is a great place to start and our DOT compliance specialists are on hand to get you up and running as quickly as possible. The DOT Essentials Program includes many of the above-mentioned filings and registrations and is one of the most commonly used DOT Compliance Programs by our clients.

If you need help or have any questions, contact us at 888.260.9448 or info@cnsprotects.com and we would be glad to help.