As a truck driver of commercial vehicles, there are plenty of laws and regulations you must be aware of, one of them being the ins and outs of weigh station stops. Read our blog to learn more about what truck drivers and the logistics managers who work with them must be aware of when calculating total travel time.
What is a Weigh Station?
Weigh stations function as checkpoints that drivers stop at to weigh their trucks along the route. Because most states have laws requiring commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds to stop at every weigh station along the truck’s route, logistics managers must plan for these stops when estimating delivery timelines. These weigh stations are operated by the Department of Transportation and/or state highway patrols and are staffed to ensure trucks are following the laws, making for safer roads.
Where are Weigh Stations Located?
Across the United States, there are about 700 weigh stations located throughout the country. Weigh stations are located just off of highways so they are easily accessible for truck drivers, getting the DOT the checks they need without having to re-route truck drivers and adding to travel time.
What is Checked at Weigh Stations?
Several things are being checked at weigh stations. For starters, the truck’s weight is being checked each time a truck enters a weigh station. Even though trucking and logistics companies are well aware of the regulations behind weight limits, there are many times that trucks are over the limit and they are not paying the related fees by trying to fly under the radar. To keep a close eye on the legal limits, the DOT and state patrols operate these weigh stations.
In addition to weight, trucks are also being inspected for overall condition. DOT and state patrol staff are looking for anything that could be against one of the laws made to keep US highways as safe as can be with so many commercial trucks on the road. Inspectors are taking a close look at each truck for anything that looks unsafe, including the tires and how well cargo is secured. After an initial inspection, trucks will either be allowed to continue back on the road or they will be asked to pull into a separate area for further inspection. In theory, if a truck is safe and abides by all the laws, these weigh station stops should not be expected to add too much time to the delivery. These inspections are either Level 1 (full), Level 2 (walk around), or Level 3 (driver only), depending on what is found in the initial assessment.
Still Have Questions?
If you still have questions about how weigh stations work, contact us today and we’ll be happy to help!