A fellow Team Run Smart member, Linda Caffee has written an article on the importance of keeping a “permit” book for reference when stopping for a road side inspection or scale house visit. I also keep a "permit" book myself which helps keep state, permit and registration information handy and organized.
Along with and organized “permit” book, inspectors appreciate when you can show them the required information easily and quickly. It’s also important to keep a clean, tidy and organized truck inside and out.
For me, it’s important to always keep the outside of my truck clean and presentable. Having the truck clean makes a good impression when you pull into a scale house. There are times when you can’t have the truck clean due to weather conditions or time constraints. Weather permitting; I make it a habit to wash my truck and trailer every weekend.
During an inspection or if a customer should walk up to you in the truck, I find it important to have the inside clean. When I open my door, I don’t want soda cans, coffee cups or anything else to come spilling out. Also, I don’t like anything lying on the dashboard. My goal is always to keep the floors clean, dash dust free and in general keep the inside orderly and organized.
I make sure to carry cloths, cleaners and various supplies in order to keep the inside of the truck presentable. I store a small shop vac under the bed which has helped me immensely over the years. I particularly like the brush attachment for cleaning dirt and crumbs between cracks, crevices and the gauge cluster.
Just recently, I added "Minimizer" floormats to help keep the floors clean.
They are a tray type design made to catch liquid off your shoes or spillage from a drink. To clean them, you just lift them out and rinse them off. They have helped keep my floors looking new.
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| The curved edge keeps dirt and debri contained. |
Just take out the dirty mat rinse with water. I use a brush to speed up this process. |
Slip the mats back into place and your ready to take on the elements once again. |