Figuring individual axle weight off of a cumulative scale

Write down all three totals as you get them

The first is your steers,
The second is Drive + Steers, Subtract the Steers.
The third is Gross, subtract the second total and that is your tandems.

 

If it's easier, number the weights 1 2 and 3

Steers = 1
Drives = 2 - 1
Tandems = 3 - 2
Gross = 3

 

Most likely you will have to get out of the cab and walk back to the trailer until you can see the weight read out.

 

To double check your trailer, pull the tractor off and leave the trailer on the scale by itself to verify your subtraction was correct.

Steers- 12,000
Tractor- 46,000
Drives- 46,000 minus 12,000 = 34,000
Total Unit- 80,000
Trailer- 80,000 minus 46,0000 = 34,000
Pull tractor off and leave trailer on = 34,000

All Good.

 

Do they not teach basic math in schools these days?

 

It's a pain in the ### but saves you $10.50 and an unnecessary stop.

 

It's $11 and CAT scale will have your back if you get a ticket. A shippers scale won't. I've been to shippers where their scale was off by a couple thousand pounds. Plus, my company pays for the CAT scale anyway.

 

CAT won't do a thing about an axle weight being off, though. Only the gross is certified.

And if you're at all familiar with your equipment, you can tell right off of the shipper's scale is vastly out of calibration. In most instances, they'll work for your needs.

 

English and math. If you roll on a scale "one axle at a time" and write down the difference, how is this even an issue? It is simple subtraction.

What is the third axle in the the tandem? There are two axles in a tandem, do you mean third axle on the truck?

To answer what I think is your question: Overall for most trucks and trailers the weight load on the tandems is evenly split by both axles of the tandem. Their are exceptions, but most in general divide the load up evenly.