Introduction
CAT scales are truck scales designed and built specifically for weighing semi-trucks and big rigs. CAT stands for “Certified Accessible Truck Scales”. They are located at truck stops and fueling stations across the United States and Canada.
Truck drivers use CAT scales to weigh their rigs and trailers for a number of important reasons. Legally, drivers must not exceed maximum weight limits set by local, state, and federal governments, so weighing ensures compliance. Weighing also helps drivers optimize their load weight and balance, which improves fuel efficiency.
Professional drivers run on tight schedules and cannot afford delays at poorly designed public scales. CAT scales are optimized for trucks with easy access on and off, letting drivers quickly weigh and get back on the road.
Locating CAT Scales
CAT scales are located across the United States and Canada, with over 1,600 permanent scale locations. There are a few ways to find CAT scale locations near you:
- Use the CAT Scale Locator on the CAT scale website. You can search by city, state, postal code or highway exit to find nearby scales.
- Check out the interactive map to visually search for scales.
- Download the free CAT Scale Locator app for iOS or Android to search for scales and save favorites.
- Look for signs along major highways that indicate upcoming CAT scale locations.
It’s a good idea to locate CAT scales along your normal routes or destinations ahead of time. This allows you to easily weigh your truck when needed. Keep the scale’s address or exit handy so you can easily pull in when passing by.
Preparing for Weighing
Before pulling onto the scale, it’s important to get prepared to ensure the weighing process goes smoothly. Here are some tips for getting ready:
Make sure you are in the proper lane for the scale you plan to use. Most truck stops with CAT scales have specific lanes for different types of vehicles. Often there will be signage, but if not, look for lane markings on the ground.
Have your pass and/or credit card ready. Most CAT scales require a fee to use the scale, so make sure you have a method of payment ready before getting in line.
Know your vehicle dimensions. Having your truck, trailer, and total length measurements handy can help the weighing process go faster.
Perform a pre-check. Do a quick walk-around inspection of your rig to ensure your load is balanced and secured before weighing.
Empty your tanks. For the most accurate weight readings, empty the fuel tanks, DEF tank, and other fluid reservoirs.
Remove any extra accessories. Take off any unnecessary items from your truck and trailer prior to weighing like chains, binders, tools, etc.
Allow plenty of space. When in line, leave sufficient room between vehicles to maneuver on and off the scale with ease.
Having the right items ready and your truck prepared ahead of time will help the weighing process go quickly and efficiently.
Pulling onto the Scale
When the previous vehicle has moved off the scale, a green light will indicate it is your turn to pull onto the scale. Proceed slowly and carefully, following any directions from the weighmaster. Pull all the way forward so that your entire vehicle is fully on the scale platform. Often, the front axle will be positioned on one platform while the rear axle(s) are on the other platform behind. It is important not to stop halfway onto the scale. Make sure to slowly and fully pull all the way forward until your vehicle is completely on the scale.
As you position your vehicle on the scale, listen for directions from the weighmaster over the loudspeaker. They will guide you to properly align your axles and ensure you are fully on the scale. Go slow and be prepared to make minor adjustments if asked. The green light means you can proceed onto the scale, but make sure to still pull on carefully and follow all instructions.
Some key tips for pulling onto the CAT scale:
- Wait for green light before proceeding
- Pull slowly all the way forward
- Follow directions from weighmaster
- Position axles fully on scale platforms
- Come to complete stop once entirely on scale
By slowly driving all the way onto the scale when signaled, you will be in the proper position for the weighmaster to accurately measure and provide you with the correct vehicle weight information.
During Weighing
Once the driver has pulled fully onto the CAT scale platform, it is important to sit still during the weighing process. Any movement in the truck can throw off the weight reading. The driver should keep their hands on the wheel and avoid excess movement while on the scale.
It’s best for the driver to look straight ahead and wait for the weigh master’s signal that the weighing is complete. The drivers should not get out of the truck or move around in the cab while on the scale, as this can impact the accuracy of the weights.
The weighing typically only takes 30-60 seconds. CAT scale platforms are designed to weigh the entire vehicle at once to get individual axle weights and gross vehicle weight. So it’s crucial for the driver to remain still during that process.
Once the weigh master indicates that weighing is finished, the driver will receive the printed weight ticket and can proceed to pull off the scale platform. But it’s critical to stay motionless while the actual weighing is happening to get precise weights.
Getting Weight Ticket
After the scale has finished weighing your vehicle, it will print out a weight ticket from the machine on the stand next to the scale. This printed ticket contains all the key information about your vehicle’s weight from that particular weighing session.
The weight ticket will include the total weight of your vehicle on each axle as well as the total gross vehicle weight. It will also show the date, time, scale location, and truck or trailer ID if you entered that information on the keypad. The ticket may contain warnings if you are approaching or over any weight limits.
It’s important to take the printed weight ticket before driving off the scale. This ticket serves as your official record of the weighing session. You’ll want to keep it as proof of your vehicle’s weight in case you are stopped by highway patrol and asked to provide weight documentation. The ticket also allows you to review the weights and make adjustments before your next haul if needed.
Some CAT scales sync with online and mobile apps so your weight records can be stored digitally. However, you’ll still want the physical ticket as back up. Don’t leave the scale until you’ve taken your weight ticket from the printer.
Reviewing the Ticket
After weighing your vehicle, the next step is to carefully review the weight ticket provided by the CAT scale operator. The weight ticket contains important information that will help you determine if your vehicle is loaded properly and legally. Here are some key things to look for on the CAT scale weight ticket:
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): This is the total weight of your vehicle plus any cargo or payload. Compare this number to your vehicle’s GVW Rating to ensure you are not overloaded.
Gross Axle Weights: The weight ticket will show individual axle weights. Compare these to your axle weight ratings to ensure no single axle is overloaded. The front axle weight cannot legally exceed the truck’s front GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).
Gross Combined Weight (GCW): For combination vehicles, this is the total weight of the power unit plus trailer or towed vehicle. Compare the GCW to your vehicle’s GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating).
Individual Axle and Group Weights: The ticket may also show individual axle group weights (steering axle, drive axles, trailer axles). Make sure these fall within legal limits.
Scale Weight: The total weight measured by the scale for each part of the vehicle measured.
Vehicle Temperature: CAT scales provide temperature readings to account for weight fluctuations.
Time and Date: The ticket shows when vehicle was weighed.
By carefully analyzing the weights on your ticket, you can determine if your vehicle is overloaded, improperly balanced, or within legal limits before proceeding. This helps avoid issues with law enforcement or safety hazards. Adjustments can be made if necessary.
Proceeding from the Scale
After weighing and obtaining the weight ticket, you will notice when the light turns green, indicating it is safe to slowly drive your vehicle off the scale. The CAT Scale website recommends easing down gently without braking when driving off the scale platform to avoid adding extra force (TruckingTruth, 2022). This ensures an accurate reading.
Once your vehicle fully clears the scale, you can resume normal driving and braking functions. Use caution when re-entering the highway near the CAT Scale weigh station, watching for merging traffic. Safely accelerate to highway speeds and proceed to your destination or nearest rest stop to review the weight ticket and make any necessary adjustments to your load.
Next Steps After Weighing
After getting your weight ticket, the next step is deciding what to do based on the weight readings. Truckers need to check if they are within legal weight limits for gross vehicle weight, axle weights, and bridge formula limits. If overweight on any measurements, adjustments will need to be made.
The first option is adjusting the load itself. For sealed loads, this is usually not possible. But for partial loads or loads you have access to, you may be able to shift some cargo to better distribute weight. You can also remove payload if severely overweight. The goal is to get all axle groups and gross weight within legal limits.
If unable to adjust the load, the next option is adjusting your route to avoid bridges or roads with lower weight restrictions. The CAT scale ticket will tell you your current weight readings, which you can compare to state and local weight limits on your intended route. You may need to take different roads or avoid certain bridges if overweight. This usually adds time and miles to your trip.[1]
In severe cases of overload, you may need to partially unload cargo, relay part of the load to another driver, or return to the shipper. But with proactive weighing at CAT scales and careful route planning, most issues can be avoided before leaving the shipper. Weighing gives you the data needed to make informed decisions.
Conclusion
Using a CAT scale weigh station involves several key steps. First, you need to locate a CAT scale near your route and prepare your vehicle for weighing by removing any unnecessary items. When you arrive at the scale, pull fully onto the platform, following the weighmaster’s instructions. Remain in your vehicle during the automated weighing process until you receive your weight ticket. Review the weight ticket to ensure accuracy before proceeding to drive off the scale. The ticket provides important weight information you can use for compliance and load management. Periodically weighing your vehicle provides data to optimize loads, avoid violations, and enhance safety.
Sources:
https://catscale.com/how-to-weigh/ [1]
https://fifthwheelst.com/weighing-guide.html [2]