How to Weigh up Semi Trucks

Weighing a semi truck today is as simple as locating one of literally hundreds of truck stops across America. Every major truck stop chain, as well as most independent truck stops, have truck scales on location for your convenience. Truck stops charge from seven to 12 dollars as of 2010 for this service. This fee depends entirely on each truck stop and will vary from one truck stop to the next.

Instructions

1. Locate the truck stop nearest your location.

2. Pull up to the scales and stop before entering the weighing platform.

3. Proceed slowly onto the scale platform and stop at the weigh master panel on the far left hand side of the platform.

4. Push the button to alert the weigh master inside the truck stop.

5. The weigh master will ask you for your company information and weigh the vehicle. The scales are divided into three sections to weigh the steering axle, drive axle and tandem axles at the same time. The scale ticket will include all three axle weights and are totaled to give you your gross vehicle weight.

6. Pull off of the platform and park the truck.

7. Proceed to the fuel desk inside the truck stop. Furnish the company information, pay the fee and receive your completed ticket. The ticket will show the axle weights and gross weight of the vehicle in pounds. For example: Steering axle 10,400 lbs. / Drive axle 33,600 lbs. / Tandem axle 29,900 lbs. / Gross weight. 73,900 lbs.

Tips & Warnings

• In semi truck jargon, the steering axle is the front wheels that steer the truck. The drive axles are the wheels that power or propel the truck. The tandem axles are the trailer wheels that the trailer rides on.