DOT Compliance Checklist

DOT Compliance Checklist 

DOT compliance might not be the first thing on your mind – but when you’re running a tree care business, staying road legal is just as important as getting the job done. These regulations are put in place to ensure that commercial vehicles operate safely on public roads. In the case of chip trucks, DOT compliance minimizes the risk of mechanical failure, protects workers, and other drivers and supports responsible business operations. Staying DOT compliant is more than just avoiding fines. At its core, it is about maintaining high safety standards, protecting lives, and preserving the reputation and reliability of your business. Use the included checklist to evaluate your chip truck to ensure it is DOT compliant. 

Consequences of Not Complying with DOT Regulations 

Choosing not to comply with DOT regulations can come with strict consequences. Failure to comply with DOT regulations can lead to costly penalties, which can include fines, citations, and vehicle impoundment. If it is discovered your chip truck is out of compliance, it can be placed out of service until the violations are corrected, leading to unexpected downtime, and loss of revenue. Not maintaining DOT compliance also carries the risk of higher insurance premiums, damage to your company’s safety rating, and even potential legal consequences if an accident occurs due to a non-compliant vehicle. If the chip truck is used in interstate commerce, it must meet Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations in addition to DOT regulations. Also, some DOT compliance regulations change by state. It is good practice for operators to review the compliance requirements for each state where the chip body truck will be traveling and operating. The bottom line? Running a non-compliant truck is too risky. It will cost you time, money, and your reputation. By taking a few simple steps to ensure your trucks meet DOT regulations, you can avoid fines, loss of work, and legal trouble. 

Proving DOT Compliance for Your Chip Truck 

There are several methods an operator can use to prove their chip truck is DOT compliant: 

• Conduct documented vehicle inspections, pre-trip inspections, and annual inspections 

• Keep a detailed maintenance log and driver qualification files 

• Have a valid USDOT number, up-to-date registration, and properly displayed decals or markings that prove DOT compliance 

By taking these steps, you can make sure your truck remains DOT compliant, and you can quickly prove compliance in necessary situations. 

DOT Compliance is Ongoing for the Life of the Truck 

Achieving DOT compliance is not a one-time certification. There are events that can affect a truck’s ability to meet compliance requirements. Wear and tear, modifications, missed maintenance intervals and damaged components are all examples of causes for a previously compliant truck to fall out of regulation. Broken lights, worn tires, malfunctioning brakes and missing safety decals could all result in a truck failing an inspection. This is a key reason why routine inspections and ongoing maintenance are critical to staying DOT compliant over time. 

All Arbortech Trucks are Sold DOT Compliant 

When you purchase a chip body truck from Arbortech, you can be assured it will be sold meeting all DOT compliant requirements. Every Arbortech truck is designed, built, and delivered to meet or exceed DOT safety standards. That means you can hit the road with confidence. We understand how vital it is for our customers to hit the ground running with their new chip truck, which is why safety features, structural integrity and regulatory adherence are all built into our manufacturing process. Customers can trust that an Arbortech truck is road ready and inspection ready from day one. You will not need to make any modifications at the point of pick up to start using your chip truck. 

Checklist for DOT Compliance 

Use the following checklist when inspecting your chip truck to ensure it meets DOT compliance standards for safe operation. Routine use of this checklist can help catch small issues before they become major violations, which will keep your trucks safe, legal and on the road. 

DOT Compliance Checklist for Chip Trucks 

General Requirements:  

• Valid USDOT number displayed  

• Vehicle registration and insurance documents up to date  

• Annual DOT inspection completed and documentation available  

Exterior & Safety Equipment:  

• All lights and reflectors (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) are operational  

• Mirrors are intact and properly adjusted  

• Windshield is free of cracks/obstructions  

• Emergency triangles and fire extinguisher are present and in good condition  

• Reflective tape and safety are decals in place  

Brakes & Tires:  

• Brake pads and components are in good condition  

• No air leaks in the air brake system (if applicable)  

• Tires are properly inflated and meet tread depth requirements  

• Lug nuts are secure and free of rust or wear  

Load Containment & Structure:  

• Chip box is securely attached and free of structural damage  

• Load containment features (doors, tailgate, tarps) are fully functional  

• No loose or protruding parts that could pose a safety hazard  

Documentation & Driver Compliance:  

• Driver logbooks or ELDs are current (if required)  

• Pre- and post-trip inspection logs are maintained  

• Driver medical card and CDL (if required) are on file  

Choose ARBORTECH for DOT Compliant Chip Trucks 

When it’s time to upgrade your chip body truck, trust ARBORTECH to deliver road-ready performance – built with safety, durability, and compliance from day one. Contact us today to learn more about our DOT compliant chip trucks.