I'L START RUNNING CALIFORNIA NEXT WEEK .
I HEAR CALIFORNIA SCALES ARE VERY STRICT WHAT SHOULD I LOOK
FOR. IS IT EVEN WORTH GOING ITO CALIFORNIA.

 

The scales in California are no more or less strict than in any other state.
If you are running legal weight, you got no worries. If you are overweight, whether you are in California or some other state is irrelevent.

 

If you are doing your job like you should be then you have no worries.

Things like:

Make sure your log book is up to date and accurate
Do your vehicle inspections and get any issues fixed
Ensure that your cargo is properly secured in/on the trailer.
Make sure all permits are up to date

Also watch your speed and what lane you are in. CA is a 55 mph truck state and the tend to get cranky if you do over 60. They are very cranky about being in the wrong lane.

Most of where California gets its reputation is that they do more inspections than any other state that I know of.

 

2 simple things about entering California
Make sure all your Ducks are in a Row and it's advisable to get your truck washed prior to entering.

 

Yeah, and get ready to feel like you are creeping when you get into California. Drops from 75 to 55 in a matter of a state line. :P

 

If you are pulling a 53' trailer your tandems must be no more than 40' from king pin to center of rear axle group. Do not park on the side of the highway to sleep if you see a sign that says Emergency Parking Only. They (CHP) will wake you up and write you a ticket. Hasn't happened to me, but I saw it happen to three drivers on the I-210W in Tujunga, CA, north of LA. at 4:00 in the morning. I bet they were not too happy about getting woken up, and than getting a nice fat ticket.

Keep your CB on and eyes open and ask for Bear reports, It will keep you out of trouble. Good Luck.

 

:roll:

 

I know you're not too bright but anybody who runs California consistently knows that a clean truck rolling through their scales will get a lot further down the line than a Trashy dirty truck which will more likely get pulled in for some Further Looks.
That's why MOST truck drivers stop and get their trucks washed.

 

Forget about the truck washing, scale houses could care less but the big red flag for them is alot of crapola all over the dash. If anything should be kept clean, it should be the dash.

 

Also, do a very thorough inspection in you tractor & trailer; tires properly inflated, all running & marker lights operational, mud flaps properly installed, and your load properly secured and balanced.

One more thing, make sure that you check your exhaust system.

Any other particulars that could could help new drivers??