how to weigh a tractor trailer

Weighing a tractor-trailer can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the process. However, it is important to ensure that your vehicle is not overloaded as it can cause serious accidents on the road. In this article, we will guide you through the steps involved in weighing your tractor-trailer.

Step 1 - Understanding the Weight Limits

Before you start weighing your tractor-trailer, it is essential to know the different weight limits. The Federal Bridge Law specifies the maximum weight limit for tractor-trailers. It states that the maximum gross weight of a tractor-trailer is 80,000 pounds, which includes the weight of the truck, the trailer, and the load.Furthermore, there are weight limits for each axle. The maximum weight limit for a single axle is 20,000 pounds, while the maximum weight for tandem axles is 34,000 pounds. Understanding these weight limits will help you determine if your tractor-trailer is within the legal limit.

Step 2 - Find a Suitable Weigh Station

The next step is to locate a weigh station. You can find a weigh station either by looking for signs on the highway or by using a GPS device. There are different types of weigh stations, including static weigh stations, mobile weigh stations, and weigh-in-motion stations.A static weigh station is a fixed location where vehicles are weighed while they are stationary. A mobile weigh station is a portable unit that can be set up on the side of the road. A weigh-in-motion station is a type of weigh station that measures the weight of a vehicle while it is in motion.

Step 3 - Weighing the Tractor-Trailer

Once you have found a suitable weigh station, the next step is to weigh your tractor-trailer. You will need to park your vehicle on the weigh station and follow the instructions given by the operator.The operator will give you a ticket that shows the weight of each axle and the total weight of the vehicle. If the weight is within the legal limit, you can proceed with your journey. However, if it exceeds the weight limit, you will need to remove some of the load to reduce the weight.

Step 4 - Maintaining the Weight of Your Tractor-Trailer

Maintaining the weight of your tractor-trailer is crucial for safe driving. Overloading your vehicle can cause excessive tire wear, fuel consumption, and brake failure. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your tractor-trailer is loaded correctly and that the weight is distributed evenly across all axles.Also, make sure that you regularly check the weight of your vehicle, especially before embarking on a long journey. By doing so, you can avoid exceeding the weight limit and ensure that your tractor-trailer is safe to be driven on the road.

Conclusion

In conclusion, weighing a tractor-trailer is an essential task that every truck driver should undertake. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your vehicle is within the legal weight limit and is safe to drive. Remember, maintaining the weight of your tractor-trailer is crucial for safe driving, so make sure that you regularly weigh your vehicle and distribute the load evenly.