For commercial vehicles that carry cargo, the weight being carried on any given load is a very important detail to know. Weight must be taken into consideration for many reasons, not the least of which is that any commercial cargo truck is subject to close government scrutiny and may be measured at any time to ensure adherence to federal guidelines.

There are two ways to determine if the vehicle is within the legal load limit: by going to an in-ground scale or installing an on-board weighing system. For convenience purposes, truck operators would certainly prefer to use on-board systems to accurately measure the load weight they are currently carrying in order to increase operating efficiency as well as prevent unwanted fines due to an overloaded vehicle.

Benefits of on-board scale system:

1. Eliminates the anxiety of overloading fines.

2. Cost-effective and helps reduce increased maintenance cost due to an overloaded vehicle.

3. Prevents wasting a driver’s time by having to stop to weigh each time the load size changes.

4. Increases fuel efficiency by eliminating driving with an overloaded vehicle.

5. Convenient method for accurate, reliable and immediate weighing while in transit.

6. Maintains the weight within the legal limits.

7. Promotes operating efficiency.

8. Increases return of investment and profits.

9. Increases the vehicle’s lifespan.

10. Prevents potential accidents while transporting materials.

So how does an on-board scale function? These weighing systems are truck-weighing ones used for immediate weight measurement without having to drive to a location to weigh on an in-ground scale.

Types of on-board scale systems:

1. Load Cell - This device uses a pressure-air transducer that converts a force into a measurable electric output. It is used for any type of suspension cargo truck. The load cell detects the downward force through bending, compression and tension.

2. Air Suspension PSI gauges - This is a mechanical air suspension gauge designed to accurately measure the weight of any commercial truck. This type of scale is commonly used in farming for hog, grain and feed businesses. The weight is shown through a standard PSI.

3. Wireless - This is a digital wireless remote-operated weight-monitoring device that accurately gauges loading weight for all types of air suspensions. It helps the driver monitor the weight safely at any location away from the loading area. The device delivers an audible alert if the truck reaches the maximum loading capacity.

4. Analog on-board - This is a gauging device calibrated to show the weight of the cargo in pounds or kilograms. This type of weighing system works on any type of air suspension.

Benefits of using On-board Scales:

Overloading or under-loading is the most common problem encountered by those who engage in the trucking industry. To eliminate this kind of problem, on-board scales are now able to offer maximum efficiency. Certain models can accurately display on-the-ground weight for steering, drive and trailer axles. Some are not affected by altitude, temperature or humidity.

On-board scales allow trucking companies to effectively monitor and manage weight compliance which in turn eliminates overweight fines that can be imposed by federal and local authorities when monitored at any required check-point.

Accurate weight monitoring allows for maximum load efficiency, thereby decreasing the overall cost-per-mile for the load-hauling industry. Using on-board scales is indeed quite a benefit for vehicle owners to consider!