My Trucker Life

After 47 years behind the wheel, I’ve been asked just about everything. Some questions fit neatly into categories like business, maintenance, or health. But others? They stand on their own. Here are a few I get often — and my straight answers.

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Q1: “What’s the one thing you wish you had known before you started trucking?”

That it’s not just a job — it’s a lifestyle. Trucking will shape your schedule, your relationships, even your identity. If you come into it thinking it’s just “another job,” you’ll burn out fast. I wish I had been told from day one that this is a career that takes your whole family with you — whether they’re in the truck or not.

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Q2: “What’s the best piece of advice for staying safe on the road?”

Always assume the other driver doesn’t see you. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been driving — the second you think you’re invincible is the second you’re at risk. Keep distance, manage your speed, and use your mirrors like your life depends on it…because it does.

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Q3: “How do you deal with loneliness?”

You learn to fill the silence with something meaningful. For me, it was talking on the phone with family when I could, listening to music, audiobooks, and later podcasts. But the truth? You’ll still get lonely. And that’s okay. Accept it, prepare for it, and don’t let it take you by surprise.

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Q4: “What makes or breaks a new driver?”

Attitude. Skills can be taught. Routes can be learned. But if a driver doesn’t respect the equipment, the schedule, or the people around them, they won’t last. On the flip side, if you show up eager to learn and stay humble, trucking will open doors you never imagined.

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> Pull Quote:
“Trucking doesn’t just test your driving. It tests your patience, your character, and your willpower.”

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Final Thoughts

This Q&A only scratches the surface — but that’s the point. These are the questions that don’t always come up in manuals or training, but every driver thinks about them sooner or later. If you’ve got more, I encourage you to ask them. Chances are, I’ve lived the answer. For more straight talk and Q&As pleased scroll on down to the blog for Q&As called The Author’s Corner.

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Being a professional truck driver isn’t just about moving freight — it’s also about navigating a world of regulations. The Department of Transportation (DOT) plays a huge role in your day-to-day life on the road, and how you handle those moments can make or break your career. Let’s break it down.

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14.1 How do roadside inspections really work?

Roadside inspections are a fact of life for truckers. They can be random, or triggered by something simple like a light out, erratic lane movement, or your truck being flagged at a weigh station. Inspectors usually check:

Driver credentials (CDL, medical card, logbook/ELD compliance)

Vehicle condition (lights, brakes, tires, securement)

Hours-of-Service compliance

The key is preparation. If your pre-trip and post-trip inspections are thorough, you’ll catch issues before an officer does. Keep your paperwork organized, your cab clean, and your attitude respectful. Inspectors can’t always control if you’re stopped — but you can control how smooth it goes once they’re at your door.

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14.2 What are your rights and responsibilities with DOT officers?

Drivers often wonder where the line is drawn. Here’s the truth:

You must comply with lawful requests — providing documents, logbooks, or access to inspect the vehicle.

You have the right to ask questions if something is unclear.

You do not have to argue or get combative. If you disagree with an inspection result, contest it later through proper channels, not roadside.

Remember: many inspectors are just doing their job. If you show professionalism, most of the time they’ll return the favor.

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14.3 How do you stay prepared without letting it stress you out?

This is where mindset and routine come together.

Consistency wins: Make pre-trip and post-trip inspections second nature. When you do them right, you’ll know your truck better than anyone else.

Stay compliant daily: Don’t wait until you’re flagged. Keep your logs, permits, and insurance ready at all times.

Don’t overthink it: If you’re doing things right, you have nothing to fear. Stress comes from uncertainty — eliminate that with preparation.

 My personal approach was simple: treat every day as if DOT could check me. That way, if they did, I had nothing to hide and nothing to scramble for.

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>  Pull Quote: DOT inspections don’t have to be feared — they just have to be respected. Preparation and attitude make all the difference.

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✅ Final Thoughts

DOT rules aren’t designed to ruin your day — they’re there for safety. The best drivers learn how to work with them, not against them. If you treat compliance as part of your daily routine, inspections become less of a stressor and more of a confirmation that you’re running the right way.

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13.1 How do you build good relationships with brokers and shippers?

Relationships in trucking are everything. A good broker can keep you rolling with steady freight, while a bad one can cost you money and time. Be professional, communicate clearly, and always follow through on what you say you’ll do. Reliability builds trust faster than anything else. Over the years, I found that if you treat every load as if it’s the most important one of the week, brokers and shippers will remember you — and they’ll call you first the next time.

13.2 What are the red flags to watch out for?

Some brokers and shippers simply aren’t worth your time. If they dodge your questions about detention pay, fuel surcharges, or load details, that’s a problem. If their rate is way below market, you’ll be the one eating the difference in fuel, tolls, and time. Another red flag is poor communication — if they’re hard to reach before you book the load, they’ll be even harder to reach when something goes wrong. My advice: trust your gut. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

13.3 How do you negotiate rates and protect yourself?

Negotiation is an art — and it starts with knowing your numbers. You need to know your cost per mile, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, tolls, and hidden fees. Never haul for less than what keeps you profitable. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the rate doesn’t make sense. Protect yourself by getting everything in writing: rate confirmations, detention agreements, and any accessorial pay. A handshake used to mean something in this business, but today, your best protection is a paper trail.

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When new drivers dream of running their own business, they often picture freedom, paychecks, and shiny trucks. What they don’t see coming are the dozens of small (and not-so-small) fees that quietly eat away at profit. These “hidden expenses” are part of the trucking business — and if you’re not ready for them, they’ll knock you flat.

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❓ 12.1 What permits do independent contractors need?

At minimum, you’ll deal with IRP (International Registration Plan) plates, IFTA (fuel tax reporting), and possibly oversize/overweight permits depending on your freight. Each state has its own rules, and some require extra credentials like trip permits when running through. The key lesson? Do your homework before crossing state lines. Ignorance isn’t an excuse if DOT stops you.

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❓12.2 What hidden expenses catch new contractors off guard?

This is where the real shock comes in. Beyond permits, here’s what piles up fast:

Accounting & bookkeeping fees (you’ll need them to stay legal)

Broker fees and factoring charges

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) subscriptions

Corporate renewal fees (LLC, INC, etc.)

Banking fees for business accounts

Plate fees if you’re running under a carrier’s authority

These aren’t optional. They’re the cost of doing business, and they can easily chew through thousands every year.

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❓12.3 How can a driver prepare financially?

Two words: budget early. Don’t wait until renewal month to wonder where the money will come from. I recommend setting aside a small portion of every settlement into a “permits/fees account.” Treat it like paying yourself a tax — because if you don’t, these bills will feel like a gut punch when they hit.

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>  “The money you don’t plan for is always the money that hurts the most.”

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✅ Final Thoughts

Running your own truck is about more than fuel and miles. It’s about understanding that the government, the banks, and even your own broker will all have their hand out at some point. If you know what’s coming — and plan for it — you’ll survive. If not, you’ll always feel broke no matter how many miles you run.

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When you become an independent contractor, insurance stops being a payroll deduction and starts being one of your biggest business expenses. The right coverage can protect your livelihood — the wrong coverage (or not enough of it) can ruin you. After decades in trucking, here’s what every owner-operator needs to know about insurance.

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11.1 What types of insurance does an owner-operator need?

At a minimum, an independent contractor will need:

Primary Liability Insurance: Required by law, covers injuries and damages if you’re at fault in an accident.

Physical Damage Coverage: Protects your truck and trailer against collisions, fire, theft, or vandalism.

Cargo Insurance: Covers the freight you’re hauling if it’s damaged, stolen, or lost.

Bobtail/Non-Trucking Liability: Covers you when you’re driving without a trailer or off dispatch.

Workers’ Compensation/Occupational Accident: Provides coverage if you’re injured on the job.

Important Note for Drivers on Social Security

If you are at the age of collecting Social Security, be aware that many insurance companies will apply your Social Security benefits against your net income when calculating payouts.

As a result, your benefit for Workers’ Compensation or Occupational Accident coverage may be reduced by as much as 90%.

I know firsthand — I’m experiencing this right now.

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11.2 How do insurance costs affect profit?

Insurance is often one of the top three expenses for independent contractors, right behind fuel and tolls. Premiums vary based on:

Your driving record

The type of freight you haul

Your equipment’s age and condition

Where you operate (urban areas cost more than rural lanes)

Monthly premiums can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. If you’re not careful, insurance can eat into your profit faster than you realize.

This is why pre-trip and post-trip inspections matter: keeping your truck in top shape reduces accidents, which helps keep your premiums lower.

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11.3 How can a driver avoid being underinsured (or overpaying)?

The trick is finding balance. Too little insurance leaves you vulnerable, while too much (or unnecessary coverage) drains your profits.

Shop around: Compare companies that specialize in trucking.

Review annually: Adjust coverage as your business changes.

Ask about discounts: Clean inspections, safety programs, newer equipment.

Use a trusted broker: Someone who explains what you need — not just what they can sell.

For me, peace of mind mattered more than shaving a few dollars off premiums. Being properly covered meant I could sleep at night knowing one accident wouldn’t end my career.

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> “Insurance is expensive, but not having the right coverage can cost you everything.”

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Closing Thoughts

Insurance is one of the least enjoyable parts of being an independent contractor, but it’s also one of the most important. It protects your truck, your freight, your customers, and your livelihood.

The smartest drivers don’t see insurance as just another bill — they see it as a shield. And when the day comes that you need it, you’ll be glad you had it.

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When most people think about trucking expenses, they picture fuel, maintenance, or insurance. But ask any independent contractor who runs across the Northeast, Chicago, or Florida Turnpike, and they’ll tell you: toll roads are one of the biggest drains on the budget. For me personally, tolls were my second largest business expense after fuel.

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10.1 Why tolls hit independent contractors harder?

Company drivers often don’t see the toll bill — the carrier covers it. But as an independent contractor, every swipe at a toll booth comes straight out of your pocket. And unlike fuel, there’s no IFTA credit or tax break to soften the blow.

The problem is compounded when brokers or shippers don’t pay extra for toll routes. Many loads are booked at a flat rate, which means you eat the tolls whether you like it or not. Unless you factor them into your rate negotiations, tolls will quietly eat away at your profit.

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How tolls stack up

Here’s how fast tolls can become a nightmare:

The Indiana Toll Road or Ohio Turnpike can easily run $75–$100 one way for a semi.

Run that lane three times in a week, and you’ve lost $300 before fuel or food.

Add in the Northeast (New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts) and you’re easily talking $500+ in tolls some weeks.

Over a year, tolls can add up to tens of thousands of dollars — money that could have gone to maintenance, savings, or your family.

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10.2 What can drivers do about it?

You can’t eliminate tolls, but you can manage them.

Plan your route: Sometimes toll-free routes only add an hour or two, which may be worth the savings. Other times, toll roads are the only efficient option.

Use toll passes (EZ-Pass, PrePass): Electronic passes often come with discounted rates versus paying cash. They also save time at the booth.

Negotiate rates smarter: When booking loads in heavy toll areas, make sure toll costs are factored into your rate. If a broker says “that’s the rate,” don’t be afraid to walk away.

Track tolls separately: Don’t lump them in with fuel or other expenses. Seeing them as their own line item in your budget will help you realize just how much they’re draining you.

And remember: tolls, like fuel, should always be checked during your pre-trip planning. Knowing what roads you’ll be on helps you plan costs before you ever roll out.

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> “Tolls are silent profit killers — second only to fuel on most independent contractor budgets.”

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Closing Thoughts

Toll roads aren’t going away, and in some regions, avoiding them is nearly impossible. But by planning smarter, using toll passes, and negotiating fair rates, independent contractors can prevent tolls from becoming the hidden tax that bankrupts their business.

Trucking isn’t just about running miles — it’s about knowing where your money is really going. And if you don’t account for tolls, you’ll find out the hard way.

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When you become an independent contractor in trucking, you stop being “just a driver” and start being a business owner. That means Uncle Sam becomes your silent partner — and he always wants his cut. Taxes are one of the biggest blind spots for new owner-operators. If you don’t plan for them, they can bury you. Here’s the straight talk about trucking taxes and how to handle them.

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9.1 What taxes do independent contractors have to pay?

Unlike company drivers, independent contractors are responsible for paying their own taxes. That means:

Self-Employment Tax: Covers Social Security and Medicare (about 15.3%).

Income Tax: Federal (and sometimes state) depending on where you live.

Highway Use Tax (Form 2290): Annual federal tax for vehicles over 55,000 lbs.

Fuel Taxes (IFTA): Quarterly reporting of fuel purchased vs. miles driven in each state.

State & Local Taxes: Depending on where your business is based, you may owe additional fees.

The IRS doesn’t care if you had a bad week or your truck broke down — they expect their share. That’s why smart drivers set aside 25–30% of every paycheck into a separate tax account.

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9.2 How can a trucker stay organized and avoid tax trouble?

The key to avoiding tax headaches is organization. Keep track of every dollar that comes in and every dollar that goes out.

Save receipts for fuel, repairs, tolls, scales, meals, and lodging.

Use accounting software or even a simple spreadsheet to log expenses.

Keep mileage records accurate for IFTA and deductions.

File quarterly estimated taxes to avoid penalties.

And don’t forget: proper pre-trip and post-trip inspections help reduce surprise repairs that throw your finances off balance. A well-maintained truck is easier to budget for.

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9.3 Should you do your own taxes or hire a professional?

You can do your own taxes, but most successful owner-operators hire a professional who specializes in trucking. A good tax preparer knows the deductions you might miss, such as per diem (meal allowances), depreciation, and interest expenses.

If you do it yourself, study IRS Publication 463 (Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses) and Publication 535 (Business Expenses). But remember: one mistake can cost you more than a tax preparer’s fee.

For me, paying for professional help was worth it. It gave me peace of mind and let me focus on driving instead of paperwork.

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> “Uncle Sam doesn’t care how many miles you ran — he wants his cut. Plan for taxes, or taxes will plan for you.”

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Closing Thoughts

Taxes are one of the hardest parts of being an independent contractor, but they don’t have to be your downfall. If you stay organized, set aside money regularly, and get professional help when needed, you can stay compliant and stress-free.

Trucking is about freedom, but financial freedom only comes if you handle your taxes like the business owner you are.

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You can teach someone to shift gears, back into a dock, or run a logbook. But you can’t teach attitude. Attitude is what separates the professionals from the “steering wheel holders.” It shapes how you handle stress, how dispatch sees you, how shippers treat you, and even how much money you make. After 47 years behind the wheel, I can say without a doubt: attitude is everything in trucking.

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8.1 How does a driver’s attitude affect success in trucking?

Your attitude is your reputation on wheels. A positive, professional outlook makes dispatchers more willing to work with you, customers more likely to respect you, and other drivers more likely to lend a hand when you need it.

A bad attitude — complaining, blaming, cutting corners — spreads fast. Before long, you’ll be the driver nobody wants to deal with, and you’ll get the worst loads because nobody trusts you with the good ones.

In trucking, opportunities don’t just come from miles — they come from the relationships you build. And those relationships are built on attitude.

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8.2 What’s the difference between a professional driver and a steering wheel holder?

A professional driver takes pride in the job. He or she:

Knows the regulations and follows them.

Keeps the truck and paperwork in order.

Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and represents the company well.

Treats trucking as a career, not just a paycheck.

A steering wheel holder? That’s the driver who just points the truck down the road and does the bare minimum. They don’t care about the customer, the company, or even their own reputation. They often have sloppy logs, poor equipment care, and an “I don’t care” attitude that drags the whole industry down.

The difference is night and day — and it shows in how long a driver lasts in this business.

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8.3 How can you keep a positive mindset in a tough industry?

Trucking will test you. Long hours, tight schedules, bad weather, traffic, breakdowns — it’s easy to get bitter. The secret is learning to control what you can and let go of what you can’t.

Here’s what worked for me:

Focus on the goal. For me, it was always: get the week over, get home safe, provide for my family.

Don’t dwell on dispatch or traffic. Complaining doesn’t change it — it just eats your energy.

Stay professional. Even if others aren’t, carry yourself like you belong. That earns respect over time.

Take care of yourself. A tired, unhealthy driver will always have a negative outlook. Rest, eat better, and move a little each day.

> “You can’t control the load, the weather, or the traffic — but you can control your attitude.”

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Closing Thoughts

Attitude is the one thing every driver controls, no matter what. It costs nothing, but it can earn you everything. A good attitude gets you respect, better loads, stronger relationships, and a longer, more rewarding career.

Trucking isn’t easy, but if you face it with the right mindset, it becomes more than a job — it becomes something you can be proud of.

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Few things make a trucker groan like seeing that “All Trucks Must Enter” sign lit up at a weigh station. But weigh stations are part of the job, and how you handle them can mean the difference between rolling on or sitting for hours. After years of running through scales across the country, here’s the truth about weigh stations and how to handle them like a professional.

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7.1 What’s the real purpose of weigh stations, and what are they looking for?

Weigh stations aren’t just about catching overweight trucks. Their main job is safety and compliance. They’re checking:

Weight limits — to protect roads, bridges, and prevent accidents from overloaded trucks.

Paperwork and credentials — CDL, registration, IFTA, permits.

Basic truck condition — lights, tires, brakes, load securement, and logbook/ELD compliance.

In short, they’re making sure you and your truck belong on the road. A clean truck and organized paperwork go a long way toward getting waved through.

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7.2 How should you handle being pulled in for inspection?

First rule: stay calm, stay polite, stay professional. Weigh station officers see drivers all day — and they can usually tell in the first 30 seconds if you’re squared away or hiding something.

Here’s what to do:

Have your paperwork ready and organized.

Do your pre-trip and post-trip inspections so you know your truck is legal before you ever hit the scale.

Follow instructions without attitude.

If you’ve done your job, you usually won’t be there long. If they find something, deal with it respectfully. Losing your cool only makes things worse.

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7.3 Can weigh station experiences be turned into an advantage for drivers?

Yes. Most drivers only see weigh stations as a hassle, but there’s another way to look at it: they keep you sharp.

When you know you’ll face inspections, you stay disciplined about your logs, paperwork, and pre-trips. That discipline carries over into safer driving and fewer roadside headaches.

Plus, a clean inspection record can actually help you. Many companies reward drivers for passing inspections, and having a strong safety record can open doors for better loads and opportunities.

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> “Weigh stations aren’t just roadblocks — they’re checkpoints to prove you’re doing the job right.”

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Closing Thoughts

Weigh stations and inspections may never be a trucker’s favorite part of the job, but they don’t have to be a nightmare either. If you treat every pre-trip like a weigh station is waiting around the corner, you’ll be ready when the sign lights up.

Professionalism isn’t just about driving — it’s about showing you can pass inspection any day, anywhere.

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Every trucker knows the Department of Transportation (DOT) has rules for everything we do — from hours of service to truck inspections. Some drivers see it as nothing but red tape, but the truth is: knowing and following DOT regulations is the difference between running smooth or getting sidelined. After decades of driving, here’s what I’ve learned about staying compliant and staying ahead.

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6.1 What are the most common DOT violations truckers get written up for?

The most common violations are usually simple things that drivers overlook:

Logbook/ELD errors — not updating your duty status or pushing past your hours of service.

Lighting issues — burned-out marker lights or trailer lights.

Tires and brakes — worn tires, air leaks, or brakes out of adjustment.

Paperwork problems — expired medical cards, missing permits, or registration issues.

Most of these problems could be avoided with proper pre-trip and post-trip inspections. That’s why DOT loves pulling random checks — because they know a lot of drivers rush through inspections and hope nothing goes wrong.

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6.2 How can a driver stay compliant with hours of service without losing miles?

Hours of service (HOS) rules are meant for safety, but they can feel like handcuffs if you don’t plan right. The secret is trip planning.

Plan your day around the clock, not just the miles. If you’ve only got 7 hours left, don’t take a load that requires 9.

Use your breaks wisely. Take your 30-minute rest at a fuel stop, mealtime, or while loading/unloading so it doesn’t feel wasted.

Don’t cheat your log. Some guys try to “fudge” their ELD, but DOT’s getting smarter every year. The fines — and the risk — aren’t worth it.

A disciplined driver can run legal and still make good miles. The difference is in planning, not cutting corners.

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6.3 What happens during a DOT inspection, and how should you handle it?

DOT inspections can feel intimidating, but they don’t have to be if you’re prepared. Inspections usually include checking:

Driver credentials (CDL, medical card, logbook/ELD).

Vehicle condition (lights, tires, brakes, load securement).

Safety equipment (fire extinguisher, triangles, spare fuses).

The best way to handle it? Stay calm, stay polite, and stay professional. Don’t argue, don’t get defensive, and don’t give them a reason to dig deeper. Hand over your paperwork, answer questions directly, and let them do their job.

I always kept my truck clean and paperwork organized. First impressions matter — if you look sloppy, they assume your driving and maintenance are sloppy too.

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> “DOT inspections aren’t the enemy — they’re a test of how well you’ve done your job before you got there.”

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Closing Thoughts

DOT rules aren’t going away. You can fight them in your head, or you can learn to work with them and keep rolling. The drivers who succeed are the ones who take compliance seriously: they do their inspections, plan their trips, and keep their paperwork tight.

At the end of the day, DOT isn’t trying to make your life harder — they’re trying to make the highways safer. And if you stay ready, you’ll have nothing to worry about when that inspection comes your way.

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