Truck Stop scales

Here is a great video that gives the basics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfkXaC-drRk&feature=PlayList&p=EF56EA4AD8ECDBEB&index=0

 

Lol, I got on there watching this guy, and then looked another driver attempting to teach everyone how to double-clutch. I got exhausted just watching it!!

 

You don't have to scale ANY load! Your gonna wish you did when you go through the chicken coop!

Its always good to scale your loads. Not only to insure that you are legal, you also want to make sure your weight distribution is correct. Most scaling comes with experience. You are going to get some loads up to 35K (check your BOL) that are not worth scaling. When you do, you need to make sure your trailer is loaded correctly and evenly.

You can get real deep and technical in scaling. Where do I set my sliding tandems for the best ride etc. This here is just basic information for a basic question.

 

I normally do not bother scaling a load unless it is showing more than 40,000 lbs on the bills. Line up your rear axle on your trailer directly under the last pallet of freight and you should be fine.

As for the actual truck stop procedure pull onto the scale. Make sure your truck is lined up on the scale with each set of axles on the appropriate platform. The long platform scales are actually 3 separate scales and this is how you will get 3 different axle weights plus the vehicles gross weight.

Contact the diesel desk by pushing the call button on the scale beside the speaker. The fuel desk attendant will ask you for your truck number then will tell you to pull off the scale. Be sure you clear the scale lane and park the truck in a parking slot (you do not want to block the scale for other drivers).

Then you go inside and tell the diesel clerk you need your scale ticket. They will ask you the truck number, the trailer number, and the company you are driving for. This info will be written on the scale ticket and then the clerk will sign it and stamp it. The charge will be 8 to 9 dollars for a CAT scale.