What are the main things that weigh stations are looking for in trucks?
Weigh stations, also known as truck scales or inspection stations ( coops), are designed to monitor the weight of commercial vehicles to ensure they are in compliance with weight regulations and to prevent overloading, which can cause damage to roads and bridges and pose safety risks. When a truck enters a weigh station, the following are the main things that weigh station personnel will be looking for:
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): The GVW is the total weight of the truck, including the vehicle itself, its cargo, fuel, and other items. Weigh station personnel will verify that the truck's GVW does not exceed the maximum weight allowed by law.
Axle Weight: The weight on each axle of the truck will be measured to make sure that the weight is distributed evenly and does not exceed the maximum weight allowed for each axle.
Permits and Documentation: The driver will be required to present the required permits and documentation for the truck, such as a commercial driver's license, registration, insurance, and any special permits required for the type of cargo being transported.
Safety Inspections: Weigh stations also conduct safety inspections to check the mechanical condition of the truck, including the brakes, lights, tires, and other systems. If a truck fails a safety inspection, it will be ordered off the road until the necessary repairs are made.
Hazardous Materials: If the truck is carrying hazardous materials, weigh station personnel will verify that the materials are properly labeled, packaged, and stored in compliance with federal regulations.
In addition to these main areas of focus, weigh stations may also check for compliance with other regulations, such as fuel tax laws, border crossing requirements, and environmental regulations.