DOT Annual Inspection — Yard Goat Trucks

California law requires DOT yard trucks (those operating on public roads) to pass an annual safety inspection. We perform thorough DOT annual inspections on terminal tractors and yard spotters, providing you with a signed inspection report and documentation for your fleet compliance records.

DOT Annual Inspection includes:

• Brake system inspection (air and hydraulic)

• Steering and suspension check

• Lighting and electrical systems

• Fifth wheel and coupling components

• Frame and chassis integrity

• Tires and wheels

• Fluid systems inspection

• Exhaust and emissions check

BIT 90-Day Inspection — California Requirement

Under California Vehicle Code Section 34501.12, all commercial motor vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR operating in California must undergo a Basic Inspection of Terminals (BIT) every 90 days. This applies to most yard goat and terminal tractor fleets operating out of warehouses and distribution centers in Ontario and the Inland Empire.

We perform CHP-compliant BIT inspections on-site at your facility, keeping your fleet legal and out of trouble during roadside enforcement stops.

Preventive Maintenance for Yard Spotters

Don't wait for a breakdown to shut down your dock operations. Our PM service for yard goat trucks includes:

• Engine oil and filter service

• Hydraulic fluid and filter service

• Coolant system inspection and flush

• Fifth wheel lubrication and adjustment

• Air brake adjustment and inspection

• Greasing all chassis points

• Battery and electrical check

• Belts, hoses, and clamps inspection

We recommend PM service every 250 hours or quarterly — whichever comes first — to maximize equipment life and avoid costly emergency repairs.

Yard Goat Repair Services

From electrical gremlins to hydraulic failures and brake jobs, we diagnose and repair terminal tractors on-site at your facility. Common repairs we handle:

• Fifth wheel hydraulic cylinder leaks and replacement

• Air brake component replacement

• Starter and alternator replacement

• Cooling system repairs and radiator replacement

• Transmission service (Allison automatic)

• Cummins and other diesel engine diagnostics

• Lighting and wiring harness repair

• Suspension component replacement

Why Ontario Warehouses Choose MTLS

Ontario, CA is one of the busiest logistics hubs in the country. With millions of square feet of warehouse and distribution space along I-10, 60, and 15, fleets in this area can't afford extended downtime. We understand that a broken yard goat means stalled dock operations and missed shipments.

That's why we offer mobile service with fast response times — because your equipment needs to be fixed where it sits, not sitting in a shop queue for days.

✔ Mobile service — we come to you ✔ Experienced on all major yard goat brands ✔ DOT and BIT inspection certified ✔ Honest diagnostics and fair pricing ✔ Same-week appointments available ✔ Serving Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Mira Loma, Jurupa Valley, Riverside, and surrounding Inland Empire areas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a yard goat truck? A yard goat — also called a terminal tractor, yard spotter, hostler, yard mule, or shunt truck — is a specialized vehicle used to move semi-trailers around warehouses, distribution centers, and freight terminals. Common brands include Kalmar Ottawa, Capacity, Tico, and Autocar.

How often does a yard goat need a DOT inspection in California? DOT-registered yard trucks operating on public roads require an annual DOT safety inspection. All commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs operating in California also require a CHP BIT inspection every 90 days under California Vehicle Code 34501.12.

Do you come to our facility? Yes. We are a fully mobile service. We bring our tools and equipment to your yard in Ontario and throughout the Inland Empire.

What brands of yard trucks do you service? We service Kalmar Ottawa, Capacity TJ5000/TJ7000, Tico Tractor, Autocar XSPOTTER, and other terminal tractor makes and models.