Check Stations And Ports Of Entry

Hey experienced truck drivers, thanks for taking the time to read this and hopefully answering it. I'm a new truck driver, currently in training at prime and so far I think I have figured out how weight stations work but I'm a bit clueless about check stations and ports of entry. I was hoping someone could explain to me if those two are the same thing or different, where u typically encounter them, and how u know as a truck driver if ur supposed to enter them or not? If u are supposed to enter, what do they usually check?

Ports-of-entry and weigh stations are the same thing, as far as we’re concerned; you may get the ‘bypass’ in-cab signal approaching a port-of-entry same as you would a weigh station. Same rules apply: if you don’t get the ‘bypass’ signal and they’re open, you pull in.

The CMV check stations are like weigh stations, minus the advance Prepass signals. If they’re open, you pull in. They will weigh you, and possibly inspect you.

Port of Entry is in Wyoming and Utah. In WY, if it's open and you don't get the PrePass go signal, you go in, park and bring in your registration book. They will ask what you are hauling. Sometimes they will flag you to weigh, many times not.

In UT, it's a weigh station like other weigh stations. You pull around if they flag you.

Other States may have Ports of Entry, but I don't run east past Illinois, west TN, Arkansas, TX anymore.

If you are driving for a company that doesn't have PrePass, you pull in ALL open weigh stations and Ports.

Laura

Thank u very much both of u for the helpful info

Also be aware of agricultural check stations. You'll find those in FL and CA. They'll funnel all trucks up a window where an officer will, in my experience, either A: Ask to see your bills, B: Verbally ask what your hauling, C: Just wave you on.

Just have your bills in easy reach and know what your hauling so your prepared to respond.

If your within 100 miles of the southern border you may run into a border patrol checkpoint. They'll ask if everyone in the vehicle is a US citizen. Often they'll run a dog around the truck to sniff. I've never been asked to pull in for inspection, but it's a possibility.

Also be aware of agricultural check stations. You'll find those in FL and CA. They'll funnel all trucks up a window where an officer will, in my experience, either A: Ask to see your bills, B: Verbally ask what your hauling, C: Just wave you on.

Just have your bills in easy reach and know what your hauling so your prepared to respond.

If your within 100 miles of the southern border you may run into a border patrol checkpoint. They'll ask if everyone in the vehicle is a US citizen. Often they'll run a dog around the truck to sniff. I've never been asked to pull in for inspection, but it's a possibility.

Hey Plan B... how ya been?

Hey Plan B... how ya been?

Been doing well. Been playing in snow a lot lately. Next load will be my get home load, trying to get home for Valentine's day. Also trying to get back in time to take my girls to a local "Daddy & Daughter" dance.

My wife and kids have been leaning on me pretty hard to give up otr and go local. Weighing my options with that one still.

Also be aware of agricultural check stations. You'll find those in FL and CA. They'll funnel all trucks up a window where an officer will, in my experience, either A: Ask to see your bills, B: Verbally ask what your hauling, C: Just wave you on.

Just have your bills in easy reach and know what your hauling so your prepared to respond.

If your within 100 miles of the southern border you may run into a border patrol checkpoint. They'll ask if everyone in the vehicle is a US citizen. Often they'll run a dog around the truck to sniff. I've never been asked to pull in for inspection, but it's a possibility.

My last trip I to Florida I pulled into the agriculture check station. I pulled up to the window and the guy asked what I had to declare, I reached over into my cooler and pulled out the cup of grapes and the cup of sliced cantaloupe I had bought at a loves earlier. He laughed a little and waved me on.