Federal DOT Compliance
DOT inspections done fast. Done right.
Annual inspections, follow-up corrections, fleet PM programs. We get your trailers compliant and back on the road without the runaround.
Federal DOT trailer inspection isn't optional, but losing a day to schedule one shouldn't be either. Knox Trailers runs DOT inspections every day on box vans, dry vans, reefers, and flatbeds. We know what inspectors look for because we are inspectors. We diagnose, document, correct, and certify — usually same-day for fleets we know, usually next-day for anyone else.
What's included in a Knox Trailers DOT inspection
Annual Federal DOT inspection (49 CFR 396.17)
Complete inspection per FMCSA-required criteria. Brake systems, coupling devices, exhaust system, fuel system, lighting devices, safe loading, steering mechanism, suspension, frame, tires, wheels and rims, windshield wipers.
Brake system performance check
Air system leak-down, slack adjuster travel, brake chamber stroke, brake lining wear, mechanical components inspected per CVSA out-of-service criteria.
Lighting and electrical
Marker lights, brake lights, turn signals, license plate lamp, reflectors, wiring harnesses, 7-pin connector functionality. Bulb swaps and wiring repairs handled in-house.
Coupling and frame inspection
Kingpin wear measurement, landing gear function, frame cracks, crossmember integrity, upper coupler condition. Structural defects documented and quoted.
Tires, wheels, suspension
Tire tread depth, sidewall condition, mismatched tire sizes flagged, wheel and lug nut torque, suspension air bags, hangers, and pivot points.
Fleet PM programs
Pre-scheduled annual inspection windows for fleets of 5+ trailers. We track your dates, call you in 30 days out, and keep your DOT compliance on cruise control.
Schedule the work or get a quote.
Mon–Fri 7am–6pm. Same-day appointments most weeks.
What good looks like
When you bring a trailer to Knox Trailers, here's what you should expect.
- Same-day or next-day appointments for our regular fleet customers
- Full DOT inspection completed in 60–90 minutes per trailer
- Defects identified with photos and written documentation
- Most common corrections (lights, slack adjusters, leaks) fixed during the same visit
- Inspection sticker applied and paperwork delivered before you leave
- Fleet customers get reminder calls 30 days before annual due date
Why fleet managers schedule DOT inspections with us
We don't run an inspection mill. We run a real shop that does inspections every day, knows the inspectors who'll see your trailer after we're done, and fixes the things that fail before they fail you on the road. Most of our inspection appointments come from fleet managers who got tired of trailers failing follow-up DOT roadside checks after a so-called "inspection" elsewhere.
When we inspect a trailer, you get a real assessment — not just a sticker. Things that are about to fail get flagged. Things that already failed get fixed. Things that pass get certified and you're moving again.
Common questions
How long does a DOT inspection take?
Most inspections take 60–90 minutes per trailer if no defects are found. If we find defects, we'll tell you what they are, quote the fix, and complete repairs during the same visit when possible.
Do you work with fleets on PM programs?
Yes. Fleets of 5+ trailers get pre-scheduled annual inspection windows, 30-day reminder calls, and consolidated billing. The goal is keeping your fleet compliant without you having to chase due dates.
What if my trailer fails the inspection?
We document the failure with photos and a written report, walk you through what's needed to bring it into compliance, and quote the repair. Most failures involve brake adjusters, lighting, or air leaks — all things we can correct same-day.
Do you do CVSA Level 1 inspections too?
We do the equivalent — a full mechanical inspection that meets or exceeds annual DOT requirements. Call us if you have a specific CVSA Level certification need and we'll confirm what's possible.
Related services
Brake Repair
Slack adjusters, air lines, chambers, drums, shoes, and full brake system rebuilds for box vans and trailers. Parts in stock. Techs who know the work.
Learn more →Structural Repair
Frame straightening, floor replacement, wall and door repair, rear-frame rebuilds. Welding, alignment, and refurbishment done in-house by techs who know structural work.
Learn more →Mobile Service
Mobile service trucks dispatched same-day for trailer repair at your yard, the highway, or wherever you broke down. We carry common parts. We bill less than your downtime costs.
Learn more →Ready to get it fixed?
Same-day appointments most weeks for fleet customers. Call or request a quote and we'll get you scheduled.