driver trainers, going into prepass scale with a green light

Well I answered it for him, besides that, it can not hurt any thing takeing a student thru a closed scale if we want to. When it is done correctly it is a learning experience for the student. That would be a good thing, is that OK with you.

 

If it is so easy to do...why do so many drivers screw it up?

Like 17mph on Fl scales?

Like following too close?

Goblue is willing to go the extra step to ensure his student has some knowledge of what to expect......kudos to him.

 

Or you could just go to Georgia. They don't believe in a green light there

 

I agree on teaching a student how to go through a scale. Using a closed scale is a good idea just make sure you have everything in order in case DOT decides to come in and ask what you are doing. A officer having a bad day could try and use failure to obey the closed sign to do an inspection. That can ruin yours and your trainees day.

My reasoning for training new drivers on scale entry is that I had to train a "experienced" driver for one company( the policy was ALL new hires,no matter experience level, went out with a driver for a week or two as a extended orientation) she had absolutely no idea how to get through a scale as quickly and painlessly as possible. She had three years as a driver and still did every annoying and wrong thing possible.

First thing was to slow down to 10 MPH below the posted limit(the annoying part we all gripe about). I explained the limit was there to allow the rollers to get an idea of our weights and were calibrated to read at or near that speed.

Second was to head for the scale every time,I told her to always head for the bypass lane and to watch the arrows. I also explained that part of getting through a scale is your driving demeanor. By this I mean if you drive as if you have no problems then they are more likely to bypass you then if you act indecisive or nervous. A inspector is first going to look at the screening weights then watch your driving path, if you head towards the scale then he may think you are close on weights,bridge or have something mechanical you are worried about. By heading for the bypass(if there is one) you present the appearance you are totally at ease and have no problems. Of course,when you have a heavy load we all know it is a almost given that your going to the scale but never give them the idea you assume that.

Third,once she got the arrow to the scale she just rolled up on instead of stopping and easing on. I told her to always stop use 2nd or 3rd gear depending on the load slowly pull on the scale,stop as easily as possible so as not to jar the platform. This allows the best reading and quickest green light. It also has the added effect of not ticking off the Weighmaster (always a good thing). If you act at ease or slightly bored it also indicates to them that you have no issues(even if you do),It can backfire if they need something to do but there is always that chance.

The last problem she had was to pull her brakes on the scale,she was told that she would roll off the scale if she only let off the pedal. I explained what that the sign said to "release brakes" not set brakes and that this could cause her problems depending on the attitude of the Weighmaster.

I had to show her what to do and give her tips on other things due to the shoddy way she was trained initially. I won't say I know all there is to know but I have worked for companies that have totally lousy CSA scores and gotten green lights without stopping for more than two seconds. It is just as much about your attitude when going into the scale as having everything in order.

I think training new drivers properly from the start will help all of us not only them,it means quicker times through the scales,less stress on all of us (drivers and scale officers) plus less aggravation.For those of you that say it is easy,just read the signs,I guess you never were a new driver unsure of what to do in a strange situation. You were just born able to gauge your approach speeds,know what gear you need,where to stop on the scale as well as how much brake pressure to use? All of this is what goes through your mind every time you go in a scale even if you don't actively think about it,now add in the nerves of a new driver. Training can help steady those nerves,which can prevent some of the horror stories on here.

 

Every scale is different, 25 MPH at one, 45 on another, etc. If there is a stop sign in front of the scale, I stop and put it in first gear and go forward. Yes, I was a new driver, I am still am. I don't have any trouble. I read the signs. The only trouble I have with signs is on the interstates, I can get confused easy and miss my exit or get on the wrong on ramp. Trying to figure out what lane to be in, trying to read the signs all at highway speeds trumps the scale any day. Just read the signs at the scale house and you'll be fine. I don't see what it matters if you do a light application or full brake application on the scale. If you applied your trailer brakes, I could see a small problem if you have auto air ride dump, as the weights would shift and cause issue. I am just baffled. Maybe some people need the help, but I don't have that issue. I have issues in other places, like still learning how to back and getting jumbled on signage, but never an issue at a scale house.

 

Sounds to me like you are having scale problems and you don't realize it.

 

The difference between light and full application to stop is that light application will gently bring the truck to a stop where full application will jar the platform. Jarring the platform can mess up the calibrations if done often or hard enough,not to mention seriously ticking off the Weighmaster.

One other thing you will have an issue at a scale at some point,we all have had them. Saying never is just asking for trouble and just for FYI I admit I don't know how to do all in driving just gave info on why I agree scale entry should be included in training. You need to realize that you were not the object of the post.

 

It is a trainers responsibility to expose their student to as many elements of the job as they can while training. When I was a student I went into a scale in California. The digital sign said proceed unless permitted load. I looked at my trainer and asked what that meant, he said why don't you go ahead and pull into the parking area, take your permit book in to the scale master and ask. So I did. I explained I was a student and was not sure what it meant and handed him my permit book. He was friendly and explained I was all good, it was for oversized, overweight, etc.

the experience was valuable, because I realized, if you got nothing to hide, there is nothing to worry about. Heart never raced after that when I pulled into a scale.