Weighing a truck can be done through various methods, each suitable for different needs. Let’s explore the most common techniques:

1. Weigh Stations

Weigh stations, also called truck scales or weigh stations, are typically placed along highways or roads, designed primarily for commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with weight regulations.

How It Works:

• Approaching the Station: As you approach a weigh station, you'll see signs guiding you to stop and weigh your truck.
• Weighing Process: Upon driving onto the weigh scale, the system automatically records the weight of your truck and its cargo. Some stations use static scales (weighing the vehicle while stationary), while others use dynamic scales (weighing the vehicle in motion).
• Weight Report: After the weighing, the station will issue a weight report, which may include information about weight distribution across axles. If the truck is overweight, drivers will be instructed to adjust the load or face penalties.

Weigh stations are mainly for regulatory purposes, requiring trucks to stop and weigh to ensure compliance with weight limits.

2. Portable Truck Scales

Portable truck scales provide a convenient option for companies to weigh trucks before they hit the road. These scales are ideal for weighing trucks at loading or unloading sites.

Types of Portable Scales:

• Axle Scales: Portable systems that measure the weight of individual axles, helping ensure that the truck’s weight is evenly distributed for safety and compliance.
• Portable Weighbridges: Larger, mobile systems capable of weighing the entire truck with its load, providing a comprehensive weight measurement.
• Wheel Weighing Pads: Smaller pads placed under each wheel of the truck to measure the weight at each wheel position. They are useful for verifying axle load distribution.

How It Works:

• Setup: Position the portable scale or pads on a flat surface.
• Drive onto the Scale: Carefully drive the truck onto the scale or pads.
• Weight Measurement: The scale will record the total truck weight, and axle scales will display load distribution.
• Results: The system shows the overall weight of the truck or individual axles, helping you ensure the truck complies with weight limits.

3. Onboard Weighing Systems

For fleet operators, onboard weighing systems offer a high-tech solution that allows drivers to monitor their truck’s weight in real-time.

How It Works:

• Sensors: Sensors installed on the truck continuously measure the load weight.
• Real-Time Display: The data is sent to a display in the cab, so the driver can check the weight at any time, whether during loading or while driving.
• Benefits: This system is especially useful for trucks that frequently carry varying loads, providing real-time feedback to prevent overloading.

Onboard weighing systems provide convenient, ongoing monitoring to ensure that trucks are never overloaded.