Scale Question

I picked up this load in Fresno and conditions were dry. Scaled the load a few miles up the road and I got: 11880....33940....and.....33860. So I figure as long as I keep the fuel level below what it was when I scaled I should be OK right? Well, I hit steady rain from Northern Cali all the way up to Sumner, Wa and two scales I crossed. one in Oregon and one in Washington had digital readouts and BOTH showed 34000 exactly on the tandems! So only thing I can figure is the water on the trailer was adding the extra weight. I got green lighted on thru on both BUT a bit anxious for a Newby. Could I have been ticketed had the scales read a little more from the added weight the water created?

 

You might need to take a trip to vegas.....

 

Naaa..that close you are getting a pass..I would hope

 

Perhaps the Mods could move this thread to the Regulations forum

 

I am sure it is State by State but MN give you 2% on any axle with out a ticket. So here you would be ok to 34,680. Or 4% over gross.

 

Could simply be the original scale was a little off.

 

I would'nt think so.I've been over 500 lbs many times on an axle and just left it and never got a ticket.Although they have asked me politely to park it and bring my paperwork in.

 

The water will add a little weight, but not more than a few pounds.
Each scale will weigh a little different, and that is where you are seeing the difference.

You scaled your load, and you scaled legal.
You also have a scale ticket from a certified station (hopefully, like a CAT scale).
You are good.

Even if you had been ticketed you would have won in court, since your scale ticket showed you legal.

But, just as you said, with a load that close it is best to keep your fuel level at or below what you scaled at.

 

Illinois will often even still give you the bypass if your axles are less than 500# over. A lot of people don't think about snow and ice buildup. I knew a driver that was nearly 2000# overweight. Turns out he had almost 3000# of snow and ice build up. They pulled him into the inspection bay and let the truck warm up. Then they pulled him across the scale again.

 

I've seen a 10,000 lb difference between scales, both in Montana. I also have seen a 2000 lb difference between montana and wyoming, montana being heavier.