I'm getting too sensitive!

All the talk and research into CDL's, USDOT number, compensation, commercial vehicle and all has warped me.

I go to the local wally world for stuff this afternoon and on the way get passed by a pretty new Ford F350 diesel with all sort of cutting implements in the bed (weed whackers, chain saws, brush cutters) pulling a 5 ton dump trailer with 3 mowers in it and about 2/3 full of a cut up tree. No USDOT number, normal 8k weight plates on the truck. He was going about 80 when he passed.

I get to Wally world and park next to a fairly new Dodge 4 door 1 ton single axle with a 28' 10 ton gooseneck trailer on the back holding a LARGE tracked skid steer. He was parked long ways across the lines and I was about 5-6 spots down from him. So, I look at the truck, normal plates tagged for 8k truck weight (he's over that!), no DOT number.

On the way home, I see an F150 with the bed full of pumpkins pulling a 20' bumper pull trailer with a double stack of pumpkins. The truck could have doubled as an airport landing light due to the extreme nose up stance. He may have had a couple hundred pounds on the front axle, but I wouldn't bet on it! No numbers on the truck. He was going like a bat out of... too.

I sure hope I can go back to not noticing this stuff pretty soon.

jb

There are some stupid people out there pulling trailers.However no DOT #'s are needed.A simple yearly truck and trailer inspection would solve the problem.

They need to be checked for lights,brakes,safety chains,trailer breakaway,tires,adequate truck for the size trailer being pulled,proper truck and trailer liscense,etc.

After this is done you should be legal to travel anywhere in the USA and crossing a state line should mean nothing.Very few of us are commercial haulers and we shouldnt need a DOT #.

I do the same thing as you, noticing that no one in my area has DOT#s. I"ve been checking just to try to get an idea of what is needed. What bothers me more are all the trailers without working lights, no trailer brakes (you can hear them being applied and released), and no safety chains. I also get nervous when I see no chains/ binders or way undersized chains/ binders.

I think the lack of DOT #s comes from the not knowing that they are even needed. DOT could use the truck registration records to notify all owners that need the numbers. We get a letter listing all of our vehicles when we need to renew our plates. Wouldn"t it make sense for them to include a letter along the lines of, "Mr. Germ, we believe that you have several vehicles that may need DOT #s. Enclosed are the regulations and procedures you need to follow. If you have any questions, please call our toll free line at 1 800 BR 549 and talk to Mrs. Smith, our DOT # specialist. Wait, this is government, I"m day dreaming again.

If I were in your shoes I would visit there office and talk to a commercial enforcement officer and see if they could arrainge a orientation. To go on sight and and look at your equipment and show you what they are lacking and what they need and look for for compliance.