Why and How are Trucks Weighed?

Ever wondered how trucks are weighed? Why do trucks need to be weighed? Are there even truck scales for sale in the Philippines?

First, let us tackle one of the main reasons why trucks need to be weighed at all. The Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (MAGVW) for trucks with code 12-2 is 41,500 kgs. and 42,000 kgs. for code 12-3. Violation of this regulation, under Republic Act 8974 (“An Act Imposing a Motor Vehicle User’s Charge on Owners of All Types of Motor Vehicles and for Other Purposes”), constitutes a fine of 25% the amount of their motor vehicle user’s charge. Considering that the average container weight is around 30-36,000 kgs., a truck with a tractor head and trailer weighing around 15,000 kgs. will already result to a penalty. The violation costs are a burden, so best for trucking companies and haulers to weigh their trucks accurately. There are truck scales for sale here in the Philippines ready to accommodate the needs of these companies.

In order to make a smart choice in selecting the truck scale to buy, let us determine how trucks are weighed. There are three possible methods based on the type of scale used:

1. Single-axle method. Each truck axle is weighed individually. The truck is driven up onto the scale one axle at a time. The weights of all axles are combined to get the total mass of the truck.

• Stop weighing. A series of scales are used so the entire truck can be weighed at once. The truck personnel drives up to the scale, stops for a couple of seconds to get a reading, then drives off. The scales for this method are connected to a single electronic controller which automatically adds up all axle weights.

• Weight in motion (WIM). A series of embedded sensors are used to calculate the axle weight as the truck is driven over a sensor pad. The truck need not stop and go to an actual weighing scale since WIM systems are already installed on highways. The sensors used are piezoelectric, which uses electrical current to measure compression and displacement.

For the first two methods that use actual weighing scales, it is most probable that the technology used is load cell systems. Each cell has durable material (steel or concrete) with one or more strain gauges attached. The strain gauge wires transmit the electric current signals to a junction box where variance is measured and ultimately calculates the weight of the truck. These strain gauges can be compression or tension-based.

Now that we have enough background information on how and why trucks are weighed, we can determine which among the products in the market is the best choice. One trusted brand of truck scale in the Philippines is the SCS Truckscale Series. Having multiple load cells, equipped with lightning protection, capable to recognize vehicles of fixed tare values, this series is a must-have for trucking companies.

The trucking industry plays a significant part in the Philippine trade. Providing these companies with quality weighing scales is essential to making the business flow smooth and progressive.