Cabool Scales In Missouri On US 60...

Years ago, I hauled grain locally, (meaning within 150 mile radius of our yard). About twice a month, I would be sent towards, West Plains, Mo for a delivery and the route meant I would have to cross the scales in Cabool. Back in those days, Cabool scales had a reputation of being really tough. I learned first hand about that one afternoon. You see, in the early morning, the West bound side would generally be closed so I could get past them easy enough, however once unloaded, I knew that I had the East bound side to contend with, and there was a little trick I learned from some of the old hands I knew. You see not too far from the scales was a small truck stop with a really nice cafe. If you waited till around 12:30 in the afternoon you had a real good chance the scales would be closed for lunch, and to help you along all you needed to do was pay close attention to that truck stop and if you saw the white DOT pickup truck parked at the cafe you knew that the scales would be closed because the officers were taking their lunch break. Well that all worked fine for a while until one day...

I was traveling East heading back to the yard. (which was in Northeast Arkansas) I saw the DOT pickup parked outside the cafe and figured I would be able to slip past the scales while they were closed, however what I didn't know was there was a new officer at the scales, and she didn't go to lunch with the other officers. The scales were open and I had to enter. Now I was empty so I wasn't worried about my weight, nor was I really worried about the condition of my truck, what I was concerned about was all those horror stories from other drivers who told tales of how they came out of those scales with fines, tickets, and other complications. This scale has always been known for being really tough as I said earlier. As I went across the scale I saw a female officer at the desk and was immediately given the red light to pull around. I parked and gathered all my paper work and went inside. As I approached the desk I noticed she had her ticket book already opened and also she had already filled in the name of my company, I knew right then I was in for some trouble. The officer then asked to see my logbook. I tried to explain to her, that because I was local I did not keep a record. She told me I was wrong, and proceeded to write out a ticket for not having a logbook , she was explaining that she was going to place me out of service and that I would not be able to go anywhere until I could produce a logbook.

Now I was not about to sit there and argue with a cop, my personal philosophy is this. You have no practical rights while you are being detained by an officer of the law. Granted we all have legal rights, but until we are allowed our first phone call, our rights are only that which the officer will allow. Anything outside of that, is just giving the officer probable cause. (Just my personal philosophy and experience)What saved my wallet that day were the other DOT officers returned from their lunch and the older fellow explained to the female officer that I was not required by law to fill out a logbook. He then told me I was free to go. I thanked him and immediately left. I saw no need to sit around and hash anything out, after all, the female officer was not happy to say the least.

Well that was back in 1997, and just yesterday I drove US 60 West and came up on the Cabool scales they were closed, but the old cafe was open. I had to stop for old times sake. They have some of the best coffee and great service too boot. As I sat there drinking my coffee I sparked up conversation with a fellow across from me. He told me that the female officer still works there but now is the boss. I found that to be funny. I mean it sort of stands to reason, the one officer there I personally experienced to be the toughest, eventually becomes the boss. Sort of makes sense really.

Anyway, not that any of this is important to know, but Im feeling a bit nostalgic and thought I'd share that little story.

Stories from the road.... :)

Hey that was a cool story! Thanks for sharing that!