Motorplex by FleetEasy offers on-site fleet services, including on-site DOT inspections in Spokane. If you have a commercial truck or trailer that needs an inspection, we’ll come straight to you with our mobile repair unit.
Recently, our on-site fleet repairs team was dispatched to a busy loading yard to inspect a Hyundai box trailer. They needed a DOT inspection to ensure it met standards before putting it back on the road. We’ll tell you about that incident, but first, let’s talk a little bit more about DOT inspections for fleet trailers in Washington State.
What is Checked During Trailer DOT Inspections in Spokane
Washington Department of Transportation inspections primarily focus on safety for commercial vehicles and trailers. Fleet owners and managers need to ensure all lights are functioning, tires are in good condition, and brake systems are well-maintained. Here are some things they’ll look at:
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- Lights & Electrical: All lights must be functional, clean, and unbroken, including marker lights (amber sides, red rear), turn signals, and brake lights.
- Tires & Wheels: Check for proper inflation, tread depth, and damage to rims or tires.
- Brakes & Suspension: Ensure brake systems are operational, and the suspension system is secure.
- Safety Equipment: Inspect coupling devices, safety chains, and the breakaway cable or switch.
- Structural Integrity: Examine the trailer body, rear impact guard and landing gear.
When Motorplex performs an inspection, we check everything an inspector at a weigh station would check to ensure compliance.
Who Needs a DOT Inspection?
Commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 lbs or more must have DOT inspections. If a trailer is used as part of your business and has a GVWR of 10,001 or more, it needs a USDOT number and is subject to federal inspection standards. If you have a smaller trailer that is under 2,000 pounds, you still need to get it licensed.
Commercial fleets are required to complete annual Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections that meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards. These inspections are important for keeping your fleet vehicles safe, dependable and fuel-efficient. Plus, regular inspections are vital for preventative maintenance and can extend the lifespan of your fleet.
What If You Fail a DOT Inspection?
Investing in DOT inspections in Spokane from a licensed provider like Motorplex ensures your vehicles do not fail inspections at government weigh-in stations. If you fail at a Washington State Patrol inspection, your vehicle could be put out-of-service. Additionally, you could get a hefty fine, increased insurance and additional negative impacts on your business. It is really important that every fleet vehicle and trailer in operation is inspected regularly to ensure it is up to standard.
Motorplex will provide an inspection annually so you know you’re compliant and up to standard. That way, you’ll always pass a surprise inspection. That’s exactly what this customer did.
True Story: Failed Trailer DOT Inspection
During the on-site DOT inspection of the trailer, we found several issues. It had damaged outer wheel seals, slow-releasing brake cams and a hole on the top front of the trailer body. If this trailer were inspected at a weigh-in station, it would be put out of service.
But it wasn’t too late to have it repaired! Our mobile technician advised dispatch that the trailer needed to come into the shop to be worked on. Pro-Tow by FleetEasy provided the tow, and it was brought in for repairs.
Once fixed, it was ready to be put back on the road.
Partner with Motorplex
Motorplex by FleetEasy offers on-site repairs throughout Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. We have fleet service shops in Auburn and Spokane, WA, and as the FleetEasy Comapny of Family, we offer in-shop repairs, towing and recovery and spill response services.
When you partner with Motorplex, you have a one-call solution for all your fleet needs. Whether it’s a DOT inspection, emergency breakdown or scheduled preventative maintenance, we’ll keep your fleet running safely, smoothly and compliant to government standards.