Why truck scales

There is a large variance in manufacturing quality that should be considered when shopping for a truck scale. Environmental factors and traffic volume also play a part. A scale that weighs trucks per day will wear faster than a scale weighing only 20 trucks per day. Make sure you consider proven performance when shopping for a truck scale. Most legal-for-trade applications require the scale to gain certification of compliance from local weights and measures authorities at certain intervals annually, semi-annually, etc.

Another factor that should be considered when determining how often to calibrate is how many trucks per day will be weighed on the scale. The demands of heavy traffic volumes often cause the scale's accuracy to drift outside of tolerance levels faster; putting the business at risk of losing additional profits. If your vehicle scale experiences high volumes of trucks per day, you should consider increasing the frequency of calibration. And finally, environmental factors will affect the calibration of a truck scale.

As temperatures fluctuate, the large-scale structure will expand and contract. These subtle changes will adversely impact the calibration of the scale. We have several short videos that show how you can improve your business with our weighbridges, software, and technology. Automated Reactors and In Situ Analysis. Transport and Logistics. Expertise Library. Literature: White Papers, Guides, Brochures.

Technical Documentation. On Demand Webinars. Live Events. Live Webinars. Management Investor Relations. Service Finder Videos. Select Country. English Indonesia. Truck Scale Systems and Solutions Truck scales, load cells, upgrades and accessories.

How can we assist you? Truck Scale Systems and Solutions What is a truck scale and how does a truck weight scale work? A truck scale is system of several components that work together to provide weight r Foundation: permanent truck scale installations use a concrete foundation. Weighbridge : Also known as the scale deck, this is the structure that creates the driving surface for the trucks. Load cells : these are the sensors that measure the weight on the scale.

The load cells are a key component to the reliability of truck weight scales. Terminal : sometimes referred to as an indicator, the terminal is the control panel for the scale. Request More Information. Scale operators benefit from color screens, easy controls, and simple setup.

Connect to printers, remote displays, and weighing software to manage information. Process weighing transactions at any time with unattended weighing terminals. Meet multiple vehicle weighing needs in one scale to save space and money.

Truck Scales for Over-the-Road Trucks. See details. Overview Products and Specs Documentation Services. See less. Overview Services Documentation. Truck Scale Upgrades. Off-Road Weighbridges. Overview Documentation. Vehicle Scale Terminals. Overview Products and Specs Documentation.

Vehicle Scale Additions. Overview Products and Specs Documentation Videos. Combination Truck and Rail Scales. Overview Products and Specs Services. Call for Quote Request Service. Explore our Services - Tailored to Fit your Equipment We support and service your measurement equipment through its entire life-cycle, from installation to preventive maintenance and calibration to equipment repair.

Calibration and Certificates. User Training Consulting and Business Support. Load-cell systems are the most popular technology used. Each cell is comprised of a durable material such as steel or concrete with one or more strain gauges attached to or embedded in it. A strain gauge consists of a wire or wires that transmits a mild electric current. As the cell is subjected to weight, the wire in the strain gauge is altered or compressed slightly.

The change in the wire results in a difference in the resistance to the current passing through it. The signal from each cell is sent to a junction box , where sensors measure the variance in the current and calculate the amount of weight the scale is supporting.

The strain gauges in load cells can be either compression or tension based. A compression strain gauge is based on how much the cell compresses when pressure is applied, while a tension strain gauge is based on the slight change in shape of the cell caused by the weight. A bending-plate system uses metal plates with strain gauges attached to them.

As weight is applied to the scale, the plates are subjected to stress. The strain gauge on each plate measures the amount of stress and calculates the load required to cause it. The amounts from each gauge are added together to get the total for that axle. Piezoelectric systems use a series of piezoelectric sensors. The sensors are embedded in a conducting material.

Weigh stations can also be located at choke points or areas where freight is loaded into trucks or delivered. In addition to fixed truck weigh stations, many states use portable scales that allow weigh stations to be set up in any location that is large enough to accommodate trucks. Portable scales allow DOT and state inspectors to set up seasonal and temporary check points near isolated roads with a high amount of truck traffic. Temporary check points also help prevent truck drivers from avoiding weigh stations.

The majority of states only require trucks and commercial vehicles that weigh over 10, pounds in gross weight to stop at weigh stations. To identify exceptions to this rule, truck drivers should research the local requirements and regulations of the states they will be hauling through. Since weight limits vary state by state, trucks typically get weighed when crossing state lines. In some jurisdictions, trucks may also be weighed when leaving a cargo loading area or just before entering a delivery center.

In the United States, most states require trucks to stop at all open weigh stations. If the driver decides not to stop, they are at risk of being pulled over by a state trooper or law enforcement often waiting near the highway re-entry ramp, ticketed, and made to return to the scale.

Weigh stations are generally closed during periods of heavy traffic, such as weekends or commuter drive times, and truck drivers are not required to stop at a closed weigh station. There are different ways for a trucker to tell if a weigh station is open, such as apps like Truckers Path Pro, but most reliably are the indicator lights and other markers on the weigh station signs themselves.