Tolerance for being over weight?

When I pulled a tank I would get overweight on my axles but be below gross. If the scale master knows what he is doing he would let me go because there is nothing I can do. The axles don't slide. If it's an idiot then they will write you up.

 

I don't know that there are any hard and fast allowances among various states but in my experience, 500 lbs over (according to Cat) at various weigh stations has never gotten me ticketed or hassled. That's not to say they can't issue a ticket for 200 lbs over if they were in a mood, but it's highly unlikely. Seems that some might be more prone to issue a citation for over gross, rather then over axle.

 

While I was driving I did have occasional times when load shifts caused me to become over axle (I never rolled from the customer that way other than to the nearest scale and back). The extra time to get a load corrected was worth it to me in order to insure 1 less possibility for an inspection if I crossed a scale.

 

I know MI does. its a percentage on each axle. Used to have a ticket in the truck with it right on the top. 10 percent maybe? but you still couldn't be over your gross.

 

That's nothing.Very much doubt they'll say anything.Think most have a 500 lb leeway.I've been over many times by a few hundred lbs and they didn't say anything.

 

All tolerances are discretionary by the officer. But A couple hundred pounds on a tandem or drive i wouldbt worry, Ive never had an issue (knock on wood). Keep in mind many, not all, but many have 400lbs exemptions for trucks with APU's. Theres lists up online.

 

The only rule I know is this: If you're in Illinois, the afternoon before a holiday, and the weigh master is going home in 10 minutes, AND you're too stupid to scale before you hit the coop because your bills said 38,000. Well, he'll let you pull around back, adjust that 37000 lb drive axle, and be on your way with no citation. I don't really believe in luck, but...

 

I seen drivers with tickets of 180lbs-200lbs over axle.

These tickets were an ag product in a bin so they were subject load shift. Hard to secure Apples or Corn cobs.

Yet the tickets stuck.

 

in utah, your allowed 1%. axles have to be legal.

in montana, your allowed 1000 lbs. axles have to be legal.

depends on the state and the man in charge at the time your rolling through.