How to Weigh a Cattle Trailer at a Weigh Station

Producers can weigh cattle once they are loaded on cattle trailers.

Weigh stations use commercial scales capable of measuring the weight of vehicles, trailers and their contents. A weigh station should have certified scales in order to guarantee accurate results. Cattle haulers weigh trailers to get an overall idea of the weight of the cattle and to make sure that they are not overloaded. They must follow laws that mandate pulling into Department of Transportation weigh stations and ports-of-entry.

Things You'll Need

• Truck and attached trailer

Instructions

Weighing on Co-op Scales

1. Drive the truck and attached trailer to a co-op or truck stop that has certified scales. Many truck stops advertise the availability of certified scales on their signs.

2. Walk inside the co-op or truck stop and talk with the attendant on duty about weighing the truck and trailer. The attendant will give you detailed instructions about pulling onto the scales.

3. Pull the truck and trailer onto the scales. If the scales are 50 feet long, the truck and trailer will be weighed at one time. Twenty-five-foot scales require that you pull forward only enough to weigh the truck. After the truck is weighed, pull the truck forward so the axles of the trailer are on the scales in order to weigh the cattle trailer.

4. Leave the truck and trailer on the scales. Go inside the co-op or truck stop to receive a weight ticket.

5. Return to the truck and trailer and drive off the scales.

Weighing at DOT or Point-of-Entry Scales

1. Pull onto the weigh station exit at the posted speed limit.

2. Follow signs or lighted signals that indicate which lane to enter on multiple-lane weigh stations. Depending on the setup of the facilities, there may be a place to pull in and park for comfort facilities, an estimated weight lane and a certified scales lane.

3. Watch for directions to the static scale.

4. Stop on the scale for weighing. A DOT official will aid in the weighing of your vehicle and trailer. The computers inside the office calculate the exact gross and axle weights. You will receive a ticket indicating that you stopped and weighed.

Tips & Warnings

• To determine the weight of cattle in a trailer, weigh the truck and trailer empty and then weigh the truck and trailer loaded with cattle. The difference indicates an approximate weight for the cattle.

• If you are unsure whether or not you are required to stop at point-of-entry weigh stations, stop and inquire about the rules and regulations for the specific state. All states have different requirements for livestock trailers.

• Watch carefully when entering any weigh station for pedestrians and traffic.

References

• Coops are Open: Florida Weigh Station and DOT Information
• Coops are Open: Arizona Weigh Stations Truck Scales