Introduction
CAT scales are specialized truck scales used to weigh large commercial vehicles like semi-trucks, tractor trailers, buses, and RVs. They help truck drivers determine whether their vehicle’s axle weight and gross weight comply with federal and state legal limits. Exceeding these limits can result in fines or penalties, so truckers rely on CAT scales to avoid overweight citations. CAT scales provide certified weight tickets that serve as proof of legal weight. There are over 1,500 CAT scale locations across the United States and Canada.
Legal Weight Limits
The Federal Highway Administration sets legal weight limits that apply to commercial vehicles traveling on the Interstate Highway System. According to their report on state truck size and weight limits, federal standards specify the following maximum weights:
- Single Axle – 20,000 lbs.
- Tandem Axle – 34,000 lbs.
- Gross Vehicle Weight – 80,000 lbs.
However, states can set their own limits which may be lower or higher than the federal standards. Most states adopt the federal bridge formula that allows up to 80,000 lbs total gross vehicle weight for a 5-axle truck meeting certain axle spacing requirements (FHWA).
It’s important for commercial truck drivers to understand both federal and individual state limits to avoid overweight citations. State limits vary considerably and are enforced on state highways and local roads, even if they differ from federal limits.
Getting Weighed
The process for getting weighed at a CAT scale is straightforward but requires some preparation. First, you’ll want to locate your nearest CAT scale station using the CAT scale locator. When you arrive, position your truck and trailer properly on the scale pads according to the weighing diagrams. For a standard trailer, the tractor drives onto the scale with all axles centered on the platform. The trailer remains off the scale.
Once positioned, exit the vehicle and go inside the scale house. Inform the operator that you need a weight ticket. Provide your trailer number if asked. The operator will weigh your rig and print out a weight ticket showing each axle weight along with gross, steer, drive, trailer, and net weights. Carefully review the weight ticket to ensure your truck is legally loaded. If overweight, you’ll need to adjust your load.
Drivers need to follow all posted CAT scale instructions and be courteous. Brake your truck completely before positioning on the scale. Go slow and be aware of other trucks. Make sure your trailer is centered and balanced. If you need help, ask the scale operator for assistance getting properly weighed.
Overweight Citations
Truck drivers face steep fines and penalties for operating overloaded vehicles that exceed legal weight limits. According to Oversize and Overweight Fines and Penalties By State | Oversize.io, fines for a first overweight offense typically range from $25 to $150 depending on the state. However, penalties increase dramatically for subsequent offenses committed within a certain timeframe.
For example, in California, the base fine for a first overweight violation is $100 plus $5 per pound over the limit up to 1,000 pounds over, according to the California Commercial Driver Handbook. For a second offense within 36 months, the fine jumps to $200 plus $10 per pound over the limit. After a third offense within 36 months, fines reach $500 plus $15 per pound over.
Some states impose even steeper fines. According to The Cost of Overweight Fines by State | Air-Weigh, a trucking company in Wisconsin can be fined $65 per pound for loads up to 10,000 pounds overweight. After 10,000 pounds overloaded, the fine spikes to $125 per pound. Just a few thousand pounds over the limit can result in fines of several thousand dollars.
Reweighing
Drivers may need to reweigh their truck and load if they were initially over the legal weight limits. According to the CAT Scale FAQ, “A weigh qualifies as a reweigh when it is the same truck and trailer within 24 hours at the same CAT Scale location.”
The main reason drivers need to reweigh is to confirm they have lowered their weight to legal limits after being found overweight on the initial weighing. As the Weigh My Truck – CAT Scale site explains, “The app will automatically recognize if you are reweighing within the 24-hour period and provide your updated weight.”
Reweighing within 24 hours allows drivers to avoid citations for being overweight if they can prove their load is now within the legal limits. The time limit prevents drivers from manipulating the system by significantly lightening their load in between weighings.
Drivers may need to rework their load distribution, shift some items between trailers, or even offload some cargo to get within legal weights for a reweigh. The 24 hour time limit provides reasonable flexibility to make adjustments and get properly weighed.
Time Limits
CAT Scale has specific time limits in place for drivers who need to reweigh their truck. According to the CAT Scale FAQ page, “there is a limit on how many reweighs I can get for $4.00? A. We know there are times when a driver may need to adjust their load a couple of times to get it right. That’s why we allow you to reweigh as many times as you need to properly load your truck within a 24-hour period.”
This 24 hour policy is confirmed on the Weigh My Truck FAQ page as well, stating “A weigh qualifies as a reweigh when it is the same truck and trailer within 24 hours at the same CAT Scale location. The app will automatically recognize if you are reweighing and only charge $4 instead of the full price.”
Therefore, CAT Scale allows truck drivers to reweigh as many times as necessary within a 24 hour period since their last full price weigh, for only $4 per reweigh.
Weight Tickets
CAT Scale weight tickets provide drivers with a certified record of their vehicle’s weight. When a truck driver weighs at a CAT Scale location, they receive a printed weight ticket with detailed information about the weight measurement. This includes the gross vehicle weight, axle weights, net weight, scale location, date, time, and a unique serial number for that weight record [1]. The tickets serve as legal proof of weight in case a driver is pulled over and cited for being overweight.
CAT Scale keeps an electronic record of all issued weight tickets for 7 years. Drivers can request a copy of a past weight ticket through the CAT Scale website if they need it for their records [2]. The tickets provide drivers with documentation they can reference or use to contest any potential overweight citations.
Other Options
While CAT scales are the most widely recognized and used commercial truck scale network, there are some alternatives for drivers looking to reweigh their truck without access to a CAT scale within the time limit.
One option is to use a portable scale. These scales allow truckers to weigh their vehicle on-site without having to drive to a scale location. Major manufacturers like Air-Weigh and Right Weigh provide portable scale solutions. According to the blog post “Never search for truck scales near me again,” portable scales give fleets more oversight and control over their drivers by removing the need to search for scales.
Drivers may also want to check with local businesses that have scales, like agricultural co-ops, landfills, cotton gins, gravel pits, and moving companies. For example, a thread on Jaycoforum.com suggests public landfills often have scales suitable for weighing large vehicles.
The blog Blue Ink Tech notes that while these alternatives provide more flexibility, CAT scales are still the standard for compliance. Portable and alternative scales may meet a carrier’s internal needs for weight monitoring but they may not substitute for an official CAT weight ticket in the event of a citation.
Tips for Drivers
Truck drivers can follow several tips to help manage weight and avoid overweight citations:
- Plan routes ahead of time and identify CAT scale locations along the way to weigh throughout the trip. Stopping early and often prevents big surprises at weigh stations.
- Weigh each axle independently to identify where weight issues are coming from. This allows focusing weight adjustments.
- Leave extra time for weighing loads. Don’t rush the weighing process.
- Make sure to keep updated, valid weight tickets from certified scales in the vehicle at all times.
- If overweight on an axle, adjust the load to shift weight towards the front of the trailer. Removing cargo from the rear will lighten overloaded axles.
- Consider adding more axles to increase legal weight limits. Spreading weight over additional axles can prevent overloading.
- Communicate weight issues to shippers and brokers immediately to address overweight loads before hitting the road.
- Know state weight regulations. Limits vary in different regions.
Following these tips will help truckers avoid citations, operate safely within legal limits, extend equipment lifetime, and maximize efficiency.
(Source: https://catscale.com/how-to-weigh/)
Conclusion
To sum up the key points about reweighing at CAT scales:
– CAT scales provide certified weight measurements for commercial trucks at over 1,500 locations across North America. Drivers can easily reweigh their vehicle after adjustments.
– Legal weight limits protect roads and bridges. Overweight citations are expensive, so accurate weights are critical.
– Drivers have a time limit to reweigh after getting a heavy vehicle citation. This varies by state, usually 1-3 hours.
– CAT scale weigh tickets document vehicle weights. Keep the ticket as proof if cited for overweight.
– If still overweight after reweighing, drivers can remove cargo or shift loads to comply. Or pay the fine and keep going.
– Being aware of weight limits, planning routes and loading carefully, and reweighing when needed will help commercial drivers avoid costly fines.