Scale Ettiquette

Cmon now. You never had them ask to see your logbook or your bills? I can't count the times.

 

I'm not kidding, in the last year my log books have only been asked for 3 times. Never in Wyoming, Utah, new Mexico or Colorado.

 

Only bills on local stings. I was stopped 3 times last year didn't care about my log as long as he saw my book and I was filling out a page. Guess he didn't care about HOS

just don't be scared and do what they say in a happy fashion and he should send you on your way.

 

I found this list of fines, but it is from 2007.

http://www.atri-online.org/state/data/osow_penalties.htm#ILLINOIS

They don't look too terrible.

One driver told me it was a buck a pound her in Illinois. But, you know, that was from a driver...

Mikeeee

 

I heard it was $.20 here in mn per lb. not too bad.

 

At first I thought this thread was going to be about CAT scales.

Like, don't weigh then leave your truck on the scale while you go get your ticket~!
Same thing for pulling just off the scale and parking to go in, thereby blocking it for all but one truck.

Mikeeee

 

Just follow the directions. You've got to remember if they are crowded then they are busy. They may just have you go through the lane to keep traffic flowing not even looking at your truck. Then again they might be zeroed in on your truck, you never know. The best projection you can give is to be attentive and polite. Bring in ALL your paperwork if called in and make sure it's ready for their inspection if asked. Of course never volunteer anything unless asked.

Before I hauled gasoline I was hauling specialized heavy equipment all over the states while I was still on active duty. I pulled a Navy three axle trailer but had to rent a tractor from Ryder since the Navy does not have many OTR trucks. So here I was with a bright yellow tractor with a gray trailer with a huge modified D-8L dozer and other very heavy equipment on. Every scale I got the red light. It was always the same, pull around back and bring your paperwork in. I found that going in with a great attitude would always enhance or change the situation for the better. Of course I knew they could never make me pay for anything since I was the government. After a few trips I decided that our base logo decal would fit just right over the big "R". After that I always got the green light but it was funny to watch the scaler reading the logo and then flipping the light to go. I was asked only once to come in and that was only to talk about my mission and how I eneded up out there while still on active duty.

Attitude and courtesy is ALWAYS the way to go.

 

Never, never never never NEVER initiate conversation with them. Answer their questions directly and with as few words as possible. Never ARGUE with them or say things like 'well, every one ELSE did it'... Give them ONLY the paperwork that they ask for and nothing more. Challenge any improper citations or invalid inspection violations through the proper channels LATER.

 

VA always lets you slide. I went through a northbound coop on I-81 1100 over on my trailer. oops. "Driver, Pull around and slide 'em"

 

Yes they will, but.

More than two times and they do get a little testy, sometimes they let you get as close as possible and let you fly.