official DOT brass air fittings shortage?

I am hearing that truck parts houses are running short of brass air line fittings with the official DOT approved stamped markings on them.

Anyone know specific reason why there may be a shortage?

81 year old scrap metal dealer replies:

“artillery brass being left out where they fall on ground by soldiers who are worried about many, many other things besides recycling”

maybe stock up on crucial brass in general

The guy that stamps them took the stamp home then died. They have to wait for the estate auction to buy the stamp back.

I've seen some brass DOT stuff fail, and fail before non DOT stuff.

..and the guy’s wife name was Dot

LOL !!

Yeah, and all the while everyone thought they were getting fittings that were DOT approved but in reality it was just that guy stamping his wife's name in them for something to do on his lunch break!

This calls for the writing of a country song?

Moparts members, just imagine you are Tom T. Hall 7th cousins.......

What is the use/requirement for an officially approved DOT airline fitting ? Sounds like a big waste of taxpayer money to me ??