Minimum Weight to scale.

Good rule to go by" If in doubt, scale it out!" $10.00 is far cheaper than an overweight fine on an axle or over grossed load

 

Agreed. I scale at 35k just to make the axles are right. Oh and NEVER trust the BOL weight.... I had one that claimed 35k and was right at 78k net when I scaled... seems the loader had a math error.

 

Many times just go with your gut. A load may say on the BOL it is lighter than some loads you've hauled, but for whatever reason it just doesn't "feel" right. When in doubt, a 10 buck cat scale ticket is sure cheap peace of mind. I personally have never had much trouble with gross weights. That seems easy to feel out. Its the axle weights that get me worried.

 

Usually 40K...but it depends on how its loaded.

If I am going up and down a lot of hills I may scale at 35K just so I can see howthe weight is distributed and adjust accordingly

 

Picked up 43k a month ago....
Was at 85k Gross.
They really put 50k on.

 

with the company reimbursing you,as most do, it should a regular practice to scale when in doubt.

 

It all depends on what truck and trailer combination you are running, how it is loaded etc.
As others have said use the air pressure guage as a guide if so equipped.
The weight on the BOL is rarely accurate and should only be considered as an approximate weight.
You should become used to the feel of the loaded truck over time.
When in doubt scale.

 

Virginia does allow drivers to adjust the axles provided you are not pulling hazmat. IF you have a placarded load they will cite you and NOT allow you to slide the axle while on their property.

Be sure to check with your company for guidelines on scaling loads. My carrier requires any load of 40k or higher to be scaled.

As others have stated; if in doubt scale the load. Better to be sure before you have to cross a DOT scale. Alot less stress and anxiety when you have a CAT scale receipt showing your weights are legal.

 

Like Mr ed and others have said, once you have some experience out there you can pretty much tell if you should scale out. Keep in mind though, don't just go by your gross on your bills. Shippers often throw more on then the said weight on the bills and also you need to know how you are loaded. You may not be that heavy but if they throw it all on the tail then you will be over on your axles. Usually if I personally have a load that's over 23,000 - 25,000 then I will scale out just to make sure that my axles weights are ok. If you are even in doubt though just weigh it. Its only $10 and will save you a lot of hassles.

 

I agree. I look at it this way, the company pays for the scale ticket, the driver pays for the over weight.....Hmmm I wonder whos money I should watch...