How do Florida scales work?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Jabber1990, Oct 17, 2014.
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Thanks guys, yeah I know that it is truck specific, but I thought I read in the one post that the company has to sign something saying they do not run produce in order to get an ag pass. I was just curious. I know some don't have to be ran in reefer trailers, but I did not know that companies like Knight ran produce outside of their reefer division.
Was just curious... -
It's an additional $3 a month to be able to bypass the FL Ag check. The reason they check your machinery loads coming into the state is that the Ag checks are also tasked by the FL .gov to look for tax avoidance.
As far which lane you get for the scale (not bypass), it typically goes every other to minimize congestion. I always get pulled on the scale if I get a red light. I think it might be the paint peeling off my plate so the scanner can't read it.lcfd15 Thanks this. -
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I don't have a prepass, which sucks
I was in Missouri and I was empty (and I think I was low on fuel too) but they pulled me onto the scale, and then parked me. I made them a little mad because instead of parking behind the building I parked in the parking lot, then they did a level 1 on me, while I was walking from the truck they shut the scale down. I theroise that I either was the one they decided to "random" or it was because I had placards, but i've been around that scale (and the one across the interstate) plenty of times since then with placards and nothing.
but there was this one time I got behind a reefer he was headed for the by-pass but the right arrow lit up, so I went to the right but it told me to go left, but i heard the scalemaster "pull over now!" so I tried to go right, but another pete cut me off so I went ahead and followed the significantly slower truck in front of me, we both turned around, they let me go and they "parked" him (I think) so I wonder if it wasn't me they wanted -
As stated, FL Ag stations all commercial vehicles are required to enter (even U-hauls, etc.) and even 4-wheelers (non-comm too) if hauling livestock (including riding horses) unless you get a prepass. They do also check fuel there (albeit occasionally) for dye marking off road diesel, etc. If you pass one up, they WILL come after you if a spare officer is available....I haul dedicated OS/OW heavy equipment that is all company owned, and still have to stop even when my lowboy is empty.....
The scales they will usually pull you on the far right side if you are close or OS (so they can walk out right to your driver door to see your permit). That way they don't have to walk too far LOL. There is even one on I-95 between Jacksonville and Daytona where they actually had me hold my permit up and the *cough,cough* nice trim and healthy *cough,cough* lady officer "read" it from inside with a pair of binoculars!!! LMAO -
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Florida has very Strict Agriculture Laws. Which is why any vehicle hauling Ag products, Commercial or not, has to stop.
When I was with Lonestar I was pulling Air Conditioner units in on i10, Ag officer copied my bills, asked where I was going, When I plan to deliver and if I'm coming back out anytime soon. Told him I was headed home, and he just sat and chatted with me about where I live and such. Didn't bother me any, I haven't dealt with a single Florida officer that's been an rude or overpowering.
Now that I haul fuel and have pre pass, we always get the green light. Though when Prepass is off and they're pulling everyone in, I always get waved by. -
I've also been pulled into the scales, it's hit or miss. Some days I get green others I have to pull in but usually get the bypass. I've only been pulled on the scale a handful of times, each time I've never been sitting there any longer than a few seconds before getting the green
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