weight question.

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by countryboy1365, Apr 8, 2012.

  1. countryboy1365

    countryboy1365 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 25, 2012
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    I was told by a driver friend of mine that in PA when loading in the field i.e ( a construction site) since they dont have scales your alowd 80k + 6 percent on a 5 axle. I was always under the impression that its a flat 80k no matter where you load. Can some one please clarify this or point me to a place to read the law. If im understanding correctly that would make a truck legal at 84k is that correct? Also if that is true does that also apply to a tri-axle dump (3 standard plus a cheater) which is grossed at 73,280?
     
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  3. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    You're never going to find a reference for a weight allowance over the stated limit. Most states understand that the scales may be off a bit and they will also give a driver a break most of the time depending on how much over the limit and what axle. They really watch the steer axle and you'll want to find your limit.
     
  4. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    Regulations state in florida,

    the 80K max is inclusive of any leeway given.

    So, here, anyway, 80K max means just that !!!!


    YMMV......
     
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  5. rogercausey

    rogercausey Light Load Member

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    Apr 6, 2012
    Kayenta, Az
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    Ala is the strictest on the wieght issue. Some states may allow u to run a little over 80k if u have a full tank of fuel. All except for Ala. Seen and heard to many drivers pulled over cuz they were as little as a couple hundred pounds over with fuel.
     
  6. countryboy1365

    countryboy1365 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 25, 2012
    Emmaus,Pa
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    TEN PERCENT (10%) SCALE TOLERANCE
    All weight limitations in this manual include a 10% tolerance to allow for any difference in
    scale weights. If you load to the maximum weight for your vehicle, you have used the
    tolerance allowed. For example, if the table says your truck can gross 80,000 pounds, that
    means you have used all the tolerance allowed by law when your truck weighs 80,000

    That explains it all right there. so i was right
     
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  7. Cowpie1

    Cowpie1 Road Train Member

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    If one is going to load in such conditions on a regular basis, get some on board weigh scales. Far cheaper and less hassle than dealing with the law.
     
  8. Jfaulk99

    Jfaulk99 Road Train Member

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    Now that everyone has assumed what each states laws are here is a list showing each states weight exemptions for certain products. I know that Ohio allows 5% for grain if your hauling off a farm.

    The list may have changed but for those of you who believe 80k is the limit no matter what, you need to do some research.
     
  9. Emulsified

    Emulsified Road Train Member

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    Keep in mind the Federal Weight Limitations of scales.
    The most strict standards are what's called, "Legal for Trade". This is where scale weight is used for commerce. (A meat scale at a buther is an example).
    Legal for Trade means the scale must be accurate within 1/10 of 1% of the rated maximum weight of that scale.
    So a scale that has a capacity of 100,000 pounds must be accurate within 100 pounds.
    Most highway scales are rated at 100,000#, but some as much as 200,000#. So if you are within that range (say you are 80# overweight), they won't (shouldn't?) mess with you.
    If challenged in court, they will lose.
    Often, this tolerance is the reason scales let the drivers go with a verbal admonishment, if anything.
    The best defense, tho, is to scale out on a certified scale (such as a CAT scale) as soon as possible.
    Often the highway scales are far out of calibration.
    I was pulled into the scale in Burns Junction, OR yesterday and signaled to come inside. He showed my steer axle at 12,380. I showed him my CAT ticket at 11,870 and he shrugged his shoulders and said, "Have a safe trip, driver."
     
  10. rbht

    rbht Heavy Load Member

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    Vt allows you more with a spread axel trailer. Believe its 4%. Will have to ask the dot man next time i get pulled to get the exact % they allow..
     
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