I've seen the term "scale tickets" used here a time or two, and honestly thought the word ticket implied "violation". But now wondering if it just means a fee that must be paid (by whom?) for the service of being weighed. So my questions are; How do scales work? From when you pull in, to after it's completion... what happens typically, and who's accountable for any fee, or any subsequent violations? Also, how long might it take (less waiting time), Might this be a place to take a break? Do they vary from by state, or are they under FMCSA? Are they more concentrated in heavily populated areas? Any comment appreciated Thanks!

A truck scale works by having large metal plates that you drive your truck onto. Once on them, you set your brakes and use a call box (Cat scale and interstate) OR your CB channel 1 (Flying J) and give them some info:Truck and trailer number, company name. After you are weighed, you pull off and park, go inside to pay and get your scale receipt. Most companies reimburse you for the expense of scaling loads. Usually, the whole process goes quickly (less than 5 minutes), however, if the scale is the only one nearby, there can be a long line to scale.
Cat scales (Certified Automatic/Accurate Truck scale) cost $8.5, interstate costs $7.5 (I think, been a while since I used one).
Hope this helps!

PS- It's a good idea to scale any load over 30k, under that as long as you can slide your tandems reasonably well you shouldn't be overweight.

wallbanger that was great information thank you.

not a problem, just glad I could remember all of it. Just got back from Harrisburg PA (recovering a broken down trk and trlr) about two hours ago.

Almost time for bed...

at most scales, sometimes you will be asked what's your load. NEVER tell them, it ain't thier business. tell them its a "Sealed load". you never know who's nearby listening in on your conversation. you never know who's setting you up to be hi-jacked...........

same goes to you pro1driver very good information thank you.

Great point Pro! And remember to not tell ANYONE what you are hauling.
If someone got really insistent I would tell them I was hauling 'dispatcher brains', which I would also say when I was empty.

Thanks for the info and advice. I've done some reading today about what responsabilities drivers have regarding loading, unloading, and weight management. But I'm still wondering what happens when/if something slips by, and the DOT writes a citation. Are there some things that a driver is soley accountable for, besides logs or hazmat. Oh, and Wallbanger... You suggested scaling anything over 30K, but what does that mean? That a driver should find the nearest open scale and request to be weighed right after being loaded? I'm not following...? Thanks.

And after thinking it through, i guess weigh stations aren't set up to be rest areas for weery truckers. And i suppose they're probably pretty evenly spaced, regardless of population. Just thought i'd ask.

30k = 30,000 Lbs and yes you should weigh after loading. The chain T/S's are open 24/7/365. Another thing if you know you are getting a heavy load be sure to fill your tanks before going over. A few shippers weigh you before and after they load. The problem is they usually don't give axle weights and thats why you need to go to a T/S. I p/ued a load in Lima,Oh. that had 39,000 on the trlr tandems. It took the shipper 12 hours and several reloads to get it right.

you as the driver get the citation for being overweight. you should be legal on all axles before you hit the road. sometimes, if you are overweight, you can return to the shipper and have them reload you. i would be concerned with scaling a load when its at least 34,000 lbs and more. under 34,000 lbs you should be ok with a twin screw tractor, as 34,000 lbs is the legal amount for the twin screw axles. as for fuel, most times you will be burning off enough fuel to be with-in limits.

example, for a twin screw tractor, you should be no more than 34,000 lbs on the drive axles, and no more than 12,000 lbs on the steer axle.

for the trailer, you should have no more than 34,000 lbs on the tandems

34,000 + 34,000 = 12,000 = 80,000 lbs.



yes, again, you are accountable for the weights to be right. you are accountable for the load being secured, unless it was "shipper load and count, and sealed"..........but this doesn't always "clear you" of any wrong doing some times.............

actually many times YOU CAN sleep in a DOT scale area. you might just want to be up and outta there before 6 AM though........