There will be two trucks on site and we encourage attendance for not only those who are hauling grapes this fall, but also those hauling grain. (Stock photo: Getty Images)
The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is excited to announce a mock truck inspection day at CLEREL. Two years ago, a similar event was held that was very well received, and those in attendance appreciated the information. This year, Trooper Andrew Lawrence will be giving a classroom-type presentation that outlines why the inspections are done and what the troopers are looking for, as well as how to prepare your fleet and drivers to pass these inspections. There will be two trucks on site, and we encourage attendance for not only those who are hauling grapes this fall, but also those hauling grain. A mock inspection will be done on each truck/trailer following the presentation.
The event will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to noon at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory at 6592 West Main Rd, Portland, NY. The event is FREE, but we do ask that you register so we can be sure to have enough room available for all who are interested. Registration is at: https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/event_preregistration_new.php?id=635 or contact Kate Robinson at 716-792-2800 or kjr45@cornell.edu.
If you or someone in your business drives a commercial vehicle, we recommend that you attend and get a refresher to save yourself a possible headache and fine down the road. A commercial vehicle is any single or combination motor vehicle used on a highway in commerce to transport property or passengers, AND has a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more. Commercial vehicles can also transport hazardous materials. The trooper will review the DOT inspection process as well as what happens when there are violations against a DOT number. He will also go over the state licensing, which includes how big a vehicle can be driven on the standard class D license, air brakes, CDL requirements – both class A and B, and appropriate licensing for farm vehicles.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
—Kim Knappenberger
Lake Erie Regional Grape Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County