When driving on the interstate, you’ve likely seen trucks stopped at weigh stations, waiting to be weighed. These stations are essential for maintaining traffic safety. Once you attend a Tucson driving school, obtain your CDL, and begin driving semi trucks, your rig’s weight must be in the back of your mind at all times. Here’s a brief look at the importance of truck scale accuracy.
Weighing Goods
As you begin your trucking career, you’ll learn that some goods are measured by weight. After your truck is loaded with a particular product, you’ll likely weigh your truck before hitting the road. Once you subtract the weight of your truck form the number on the scale, you’ll know the total weight of your cargo and determine how much to charge for your transportation services. An accurate scale is essential for ensuring that you get paid a fair price.
Obeying the Law
The federal government imposes strict weight limits on large vehicles traveling on interstates. Single axle trucks cannot weigh more than 20,000 lbs., tandem axle trucks cannot weigh more than 34,000 lbs., and the gross vehicle weight of any truck cannot exceed 80,000 lbs. If your truck violates any of the federal weight standards, you will be fined. That’s why it’s important to weigh your truck on an accurate truck scale before driving on the highways.
Staying Safe
Federal weight limits exist to prevent trucks from suffering damage or causing damage to roads and bridges. If your truck is carrying too much, you risk an axle overload, which could lead to a breakdown or accident. For the sake of your own safety and the safety of everyone on the road, it’s important for your transportation firm to have an accurate truck scale.
HDS Truck Driving Institute can teach you everything you need to know about federal and state weight standards. Call our Tucson driving school at (520) 622-0419 or our Phoenix driving school at (602) 484-7901 to find out how you can get started on a great career in the transportation industry.
