5 Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Scales

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Scales

Semi-trucks are some of the most reliable ways to transport large loads of cargo and products across the country. Believe it or not, there are nearly two million trucks operating in the United States alone.

As the business owner that directs those trucks where they need to go, you know that the weight of the cargo each truck carries can have a huge impact on the driver’s ability to do their job safely. The easiest way to monitor the weight of the cargo is by using truck scales.

If you’re relatively new to the industry, you likely have a few questions about these scales and why they’re so important. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Why Are Truck Scales Important?

As a business owner that relies on hauling goods either to job sites or to stores and clients, you need to know exactly how much cargo you’re hauling at all times. This helps you budget for fuel and makes identifying the best route for your trucks easier.

Though you can always estimate the weight of each trailer, those estimations aren’t always enough. In most cases, you’ll be off by several hundred pounds and that can change the way your trucks handle.

Some business owners prefer to identify the nearest truck scale locations and require drivers to head off-site to weigh their trucks before starting their journey. This works, but it’s less than ideal. It adds to the time your drivers spend preparing their loads and can create delays for clients depending on your deliveries.

If you can, investing in a high-quality truck scale that you can use at your headquarters is always in your best interest. You’ll cut down on delays and will be better equipped to make any adjustments before your drivers hit the road.

2. Is There More Than One Type of Scale?

Believe it or not, there are many different types of certified truck scales that you can use to weigh your cargo. The type you choose largely depends on what you’re hauling and how you intend to use the scale.

In most cases, business owners need to choose between two main types: portable scales and permanent scales.

You can move portable scales across your facility to make it easier for certain loads to get weighed. The scales are easy to take down and set up, giving you more flexibility in how and where you use them. They’re ideal for businesses that tend to change locations often or need to weigh trucks in different places on a regular basis.

Permanent industrial scales stay put once they’re installed. Trucks can drive onto the scale, get weighed, and drive off without your crew having to recalibrate or reassemble the scale.

Before you decide on the right scale for your business, think about how your crew works. If you plan on staying in the same location and are comfortable weighing cargo at the same spot, a permanent scale is the best option. However, if you need to be able to move the scale, a portable option will work better.

3. Should I Have Scales on My Property?

One of the most common questions people ask is whether they need to have scales on-site or if they can continue relying on scales at local weigh stations.

It all comes down to your business’s unique needs. Think about the number of times you need to weigh cargo throughout the month or quarter. If you’re sending drivers to weigh stations on a regular basis, investing in a scale for your business may make sense.

That said, if you don’t need to weigh cargo often, you may be able to get away with using scales at other locations. Think about your business and consider how much time your drivers would save by being able to weigh cargo at your facility. If they’re spending more time driving to and from weigh stations than they are transporting cargo, it’s worth looking for truck scales for sale.

4. Do I Need to Prepare the Site for Installation?

If you decide to invest in a truck scale for your business, there are a few things you’ll need to do to get the space ready. At a minimum, clear away any heavy equipment, dirt, or debris from the area. Look at the entry area to your business and remove any low-hanging limbs or obstacles that may impede the delivery truck.

Then, speak with the installation team to find out what you need to do to prepare for installation. They’ll be able to outline the exact steps you’ll need to take based on the type of scale you order.

If they have any specific concerns or issues, make sure you take care of them before you take delivery of the scale. This will speed up the installation process and will reduce the risk of damage to the rest of your property.

5. What Should I Look for When Buying New Scales?

There are many different manufacturers of industrial and truck scales out there. This can make it hard to find the best option for your company.

Do some research into each brand you’re considering. Read up on reviews from fellow business owners and get the details for each scale’s warranty before you make a decision.

Remember, you want to choose a scale that will last for at least a few years and can handle the use you’ll put it through. The most durable scales will have great reviews and comprehensive manufacturer warranties to protect you from unexpected repair costs.

Choose the Right Scale for Your Business

Investing in the right truck scales for your company is a great way to improve your business and strengthen your profitability. Now that you know the answers to the most commonly asked questions, you’re ready to choose the best scale for your needs.

Just remember to do your research and choose a scale that will last for years. They may cost more, but you’ll spend less on repairs and won’t have to worry about costly replacements prematurely.

Looking for more helpful tips to make buying equipment for your business as simple as possible? Check out our latest posts.

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