1

Motor Carrier Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an Inspector/Grader, you'll be responsible for evaluating materials and finished products to ensure they meet company and industry standards. You'll carefully inspect, sort, and grade items based ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Motor Carrier Inspector information

See salary details

$11K

$42.9K

$52K

How much do motor carrier inspector jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for motor carrier inspector in the United States is $42,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Motor Carrier Inspector?

A motor carrier inspector is a government transportation official who is responsible for the enforcement of a variety of regulations related to commercial motor vehicle travel. As a motor carrier inspector, your duties include inspecting transport and freight vehicles, ensuring that the driver of the car is following the law, and checking that the weight and size of the vehicle meet state or federal guidelines. Your responsibilities also include responding to stranded motor vehicle passengers, assisting with natural disaster response and relief, and participating in accident investigation operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Motor Carrier Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Motor Carrier Inspector, you need knowledge of transportation regulations, vehicle inspection procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional law enforcement or safety certifications preferred. Familiarity with inspection tools, handheld data entry devices, and regulatory databases is important for accurate assessments and reporting. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help inspectors interact effectively with drivers and enforce regulations. These skills ensure roadway safety, regulatory compliance, and the prevention of accidents involving commercial motor vehicles.

What are some common challenges Motor Carrier Inspectors face during roadside inspections?

Motor Carrier Inspectors often encounter challenges such as dealing with uncooperative drivers, working in varying weather conditions, and keeping up with changes in regulations. Inspections can involve long hours on the road and require attention to detail to ensure vehicles meet safety standards. Effective communication skills are essential, as inspectors must clearly explain violations and procedures to drivers and company representatives. Overcoming these challenges helps ensure roadway safety and regulatory compliance.

What are Motor Carrier Inspectors?

Motor Carrier Inspectors are law enforcement professionals responsible for ensuring commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, comply with state and federal safety regulations. They inspect vehicles for mechanical safety, proper documentation, and adherence to weight limits, and they check drivers for valid credentials and compliance with hours-of-service rules. Their work helps maintain safe roadways by preventing unsafe vehicles and drivers from operating, and they may conduct inspections at weigh stations, roadside stops, or company terminals. Motor Carrier Inspectors also play an important role in educating drivers and carriers about safety standards and legal requirements.
What states have the most Motor Carrier Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Motor Carrier Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Motor Carrier Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Motor Carrier Inspector jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Motor Carrier Inspector jobs? For Motor Carrier Inspector jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Motor Carrier Inspector

State of South Dakota

Sisseton, SD • On-site

$23.04/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 hours ago


State Of South Dakota rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states


Job description

Job ID: 36177
Agency: Public Safety
Location:Sisseton, SDSalary: $23.04/hr
Pay Grade: G
Closing Date: 06/09/2026
This is a Full-Time position with the Department of Public Safety. For more information on the Department of Public Safety, please visit https://dps.sd.gov/.
Motor Carrier Inspections is a Division of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. This Motor Carrier Inspector will perform regulatory and enforcement activities. Inspectors ensure trucks and other carriers are operating legally.
Duties include inspecting and weighing vehicles, reviewing documents, issuing permits, training and educating customers, and taking necessary enforcement action. There are training and promotional opportunities available with this position.
This Position will perform duties indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather-related conditions.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver's license and be certified as a Motor Carrier Inspector.
Must successfully complete North American Level I Standards Inspection Training within two years of employment.
Questionnaire: Applicants will be required to answer a series of job related questions when submitting an application for this job.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Knowledge of:
  • the transportation industry;
  • mechanical characteristics of commercial vehicles including load factors;
  • commercial drivers' license requirements;
  • vehicle safety inspection.

Ability to:
  • deal tactfully and courteously with the public;
  • compute fees using mathematical formulas and a calculator;
  • maintain composure in stressful situations;
  • take appropriate enforcement action;
  • interpret rules and regulations and explain interpretations to drivers and transportation company officials;
  • recognize and act upon violations;
  • lift 75 pounds or more;
  • climb up-onto, around, or under tractor-trailer rigs and cargo to inspect and measure vehicles;
  • complete required reports;
  • communicate through the use of a Mobile Police Radio;
  • administer preliminary breathe tests;
  • communicate information on state laws, policies, and procedures clearly and concisely.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.
NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=442
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"
#LI-Onsite

What State Of South Dakota employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom