CAT scale

You don't have to weigh at a CAT scale. They are only to check your weight so that when you go through a DOT scale house you know if you're legal or not.

 

No, you don't have to weigh out at a truck stop. The CAT scales and other scale systems are there for drivers that need to make sure they have the weight of their load properly distributed among the axles. There is a certain amount of weight allowed per axle or set of axles, and if a driver picks up a heavy load, they use the scales (which they have to pay for) at the truck stops to make sure they have the weight properly distributed.

If you pick up a load that's only 10,000 or 20,000 pounds, you don't really need to scale the load.

 

the truckstop scales are to check and adjust your weight so when you hit the DOT scxales you will be legal

 

all together now!!!

 

What can we say! Great minds and helpful people! You guys made it much more simple than I did!

 

Many shippers do not have scales . CAT scales are a service to truckers and there is no requirement to use them . Trucks are limited to 80,000 lbs. total weight but in most states this is distributed to maximum axle weights of 12,000 lbs. on the steer axle and 34,000 lbs on the drives and trailer axle . A CAT scale will give you readings of each axle . If one axle is over the weight may be shifted by sliding the 5th wheel or sliding the trailer tandems . The weight added when filling fuel tanks also must be considered . You'll be in trouble if you can't get the axle weights legal . States like Illinois have no tolerance . If you are over on an axle at an Illinois scale you don't leave until you are legal .

 

I have been over on the trailer by over 600 lbs and the scale in Illinois north of Springfield gave me a bypass. I could not get the tandams to release, let alone slide.

 

Doesn't Cat guarantee their scales to be accurate?

 

Same as Flying J. does. However, you have to pay the fine first, then they are contacted and the process begins.

In Aurora, CO, I weighed at the J and was legal weights with room to spare. Crossed the scale at Limon, and wow, the weights were not anywhere near the scale ticket, but barely legal.