Introduction
CAT Scale is a provider of certified weigh scales for commercial trucks. The company was founded in 1977 in Walcott, Iowa by Richard DePaepe. DePaepe recognized the need for accurate, reliable weight data in the trucking industry. He invented the first portable wheel-weigher scale that could be transported from one truck stop location to another (Procedure Manual, 2003).
Today, CAT Scale has over 2,200 locations across North America. The scales are known for their durability, reliability, and calibration process. CAT Scale provides critical weight data to truck drivers and trucking companies to ensure compliance with state weight regulations and optimize payload management.
Total Number of CAT Scale Locations
CAT Scale has over 1,400 truck scale locations across the United States and Canada (https://gzipwtf.com/how-much-does-cat-scale-cost/). This makes CAT Scale the largest network of truck scales in North America.
In the US alone, there are around 1,200 CAT Scale locations at truck stops, grain elevators, feed mills, and other sites along major trucking routes. This blanket coverage across the contiguous 48 states allows truck drivers to easily find a CAT Scale location wherever their route takes them.
Internationally, CAT Scale has about 200 locations, mostly concentrated in Canada where there are over 140 sites. There are also CAT Scale sites in Mexico and Brazil, providing weigh station access in those countries.
So in total, CAT Scale operates over 1,400 truck scale sites across North America and globally, cementing its position as the leader in commercial vehicle scale networks.
Locations by State
CAT Scale has over 1,662 locations across the United States. The number of scales varies significantly by state, with some states having dozens of locations while others may only have a handful.
According to the CAT Scale Locator, the states with the most scales are:
- Texas – 166 locations
- California – 145 locations
- Florida – 143 locations
- Illinois – 74 locations
- Ohio – 63 locations
Meanwhile, states with the fewest CAT scales include:
- Alaska – 3 locations
- Hawaii – 3 locations
- Vermont – 4 locations
- Delaware – 5 locations
- Rhode Island – 5 locations
The distribution of scales correlates somewhat with population and the level of trucking activity in each state. Large states with major logistics hubs tend to have the greatest number of CAT scales, enabling truck drivers to easily access certified weighing stations during their routes.
Major Truck Stop Chains
Some of the major truck stop chains that have CAT Scales at many of their locations include:
- TA – With almost 600 locations across the United States, many TA truck stops have CAT Scales available for truck drivers to weigh their loads (source). TA acquired Petro Stopping Centers in 2016, further expanding their network of truck stops with CAT Scales.
- Love’s – Love’s operates over 550 locations nationwide and partners with CAT Scale to provide certified weighing services at many of their truck stops for 18-wheelers, RVs, and other vehicles (source). They aim to provide convenient, quality scales for truckers along major highways across the country.
- Pilot Flying J – As one of the largest operators of travel centers in North America with over 750 locations, many Pilot Flying J truck stops feature CAT certified scales suitable for weighing tractor trailers and other large vehicles.
Having CAT Scales readily available at major truck stop chains allows truck drivers to easily weigh their loads for compliance anytime while on the road.
CAT Scale Certification
CAT Scale locations must go through a rigorous certification process to ensure accuracy and reliability. This involves multiple steps:
First, new locations must purchase and install scales manufactured by Rice Lake Weighing Systems, the exclusive scale supplier for CAT Scale since 1982. Rice Lake scales are known for their durability and precision in weighing vehicles.
Next, every CAT Scale location must be calibrated and certified annually by state Weights and Measures officials to verify that the scales meet legal requirements for commercial weighing. Truck scales used for trade must be accurate within 20 pounds per axle.
CAT Scale technicians also recalibrate the scales every 4-6 weeks as part of preventative maintenance. This helps account for any changes in the foundation over time.
Finally, drivers can request an immediate calibration if they suspect the weight seems off. The CAT Scale network prides itself on providing consistent, reliable weights across all sites.
Going through certification brings trustworthiness to the CAT Scale brand. Drivers know they will receive accurate, legal-for-trade weights.
Calibration and Accuracy
CAT Scale locations use advanced electronic weighing systems that are calibrated regularly to ensure accuracy and reliability. According to the CAT Scale website, each scale location is calibrated at least once per year by state Weights and Measures officials to meet legal for trade standards.
The calibration process involves placing certified test weights on the scale to ensure it is weighing loads accurately. Any deviations outside of acceptable tolerances will be corrected by adjusting the scale. Calibration also checks that the scales are level and tracks are clean.
In addition to the annual state calibrations, CAT Scale service technicians perform routine preventative maintenance and calibration checks every 4-6 weeks. This frequent calibration helps minimize drift and ensures the scales stay precise over time.
According to one video showing the calibration process, the technicians use 200-500 lb certified test weights placed in specific patterns to check calibration. The scale must read the test weights within a 0.1% tolerance to pass.(Source)
The regular calibrations, certified weights, and tight tolerances result in CAT Scale locations providing very accurate truck weight measurements within their legal weight limits. This gives truck drivers confidence in the weights for their loads.
Weight Tickets
After weighing a vehicle on a CAT scale, the scale provides a detailed weight ticket with important information. As per National Forwarding Co., emailed CAT scale weight tickets are not considered valid because they lack a signature from the weighmaster (source). Valid CAT scale weight tickets contain the gross vehicle weight, axle weights, net weight, and scale certification number, along with the weighmaster’s signature.
For example, My Grand RV forum user towing an Imagine 22MLE XLS with a Tundra shared their CAT scale weight ticket results which included around 700 lbs tongue weight (source). The weight ticket provides truckers and RVers the precise vehicle weight data needed to ensure safe, legal loading.
Role in Trucking Industry
CAT Scales play a critical role in the trucking industry by providing accurate weight measurements for tractor-trailers. Knowing precise weight is essential for truck drivers and companies for several reasons:
Compliance – Truck weight limits are regulated on federal, state and local levels. Exceeding these limits results in costly fees and citations. CAT Scale measurements help drivers stay within legal weight restrictions.
Safety – An overloaded truck can cause dangerous handling issues and increase stopping distance. Accurate weights from CAT Scales allow drivers to distribute load properly.
Fuel Efficiency – Heavier trucks get worse fuel mileage. CAT Scale weights help maximize payload while maintaining fuel economy.
Data – Detailed weight tickets from CAT Scales provide vital data to trucking companies for tracking loads, monitoring efficiency, and identifying issues.
Assurance – Consistent weights from CAT Scales give drivers confidence their axle and gross vehicle weights are accurate before proceeding.
With over 1,800 locations across North America, CAT Scale is the industry leader in commercial truck weighing services. Drivers have come to depend on CAT Scales for reliable, precise weights to meet regulations, enhance safety, improve fuel efficiency and provide data critical to trucking operations.
CAT Scale App
The CAT Scale Weigh My Truck app allows truck drivers to easily find CAT Scale locations and record their vehicle weights right from their mobile device. The app uses GPS to locate nearby CAT Scale sites and provides directions. Drivers can also search for locations by state, city, or ZIP code.
After weighing their truck, drivers can save the weight tickets digitally in the app. The app stores up to 100 of the most recent weight records, allowing drivers to monitor and track their loads over time. Users can also email or print the weight tickets from the app.
The CAT Scale app provides step-by-step tutorials on how to properly weigh trucks on the scales to get accurate measurements. The app is free to download and available for both iOS and Android devices. It’s an indispensable tool for professional truck drivers using CAT Scales across the country.
Conclusion
CAT Scale offers weigh stations at over 1,500 locations across North America to provide certified weights for commercial truck drivers. With weigh stations conveniently located at major truck stops, CAT Scale aims to make weight compliance easy and integrated into a trucker’s route. While the total number of locations is always changing as CAT Scale expands, their widespread presence across the United States and Canada ensures most major routes are covered.
Beyond just providing certified weights, CAT Scale delivers a comprehensive weight management service, from their scale calibration and certification process to their digital tools like weight tickets and their mobile app. For truck drivers and fleet owners, CAT Scale has become an indispensable part of documenting legal weights and optimizing loads. With their focus on accuracy, convenience, and transparency, CAT Scale locations will likely continue growing as an essential weigh station service for trucking companies across North America.