Operating a Public Weighbridge Business in Australia

Massive shifts in the global economy have led people to find new ways to generate income. One of these alternative income-generating activities is operating a public weighbridge.

Weighbridges are an essential part of Australia’s heavy-duty truck industry. They are used to enforce weight regulations, determine road taxes, and the value of goods. They also help truck operators to avoid overloading and damaging their vehicles and roads.

Many organizations with several trucks use inhouse weighbridges to manage their logistics. However, smaller companies and individual truck operators use public weighbridges. This creates a steady long term income for a public weighbridge operator. Here are a few tips for operating a successful public weighbridge business in Australia.

1.     Find a viable location

The success of your weighbridge business depends on your location. You should consider high traffic location where weighbridge services are in demand. Your site selection will depend on your business model.

Building a weighbridge is a significant investment. You may need to do detailed market research to find an ideal location for your business. A unique location away from other weighbridges may need extra marketing to attract new business. You can also site your business near an existing weighbridge that is overwhelmed and cannot serve all its clients efficiently.

2.     Compliance to Regulations

There are several regulatory requirements for starting a public weighbridge business in Australia. These regulations and standards are defined and verified by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science as well as the National Measurement Institute (NMI). Make sure you secure the necessary permits before you start building your weighbridge.

Among other requirements, you must have a public weighbridge license and NMI approval for your equipment. Also, your nominated operators need to be well trained on how to carry out accurate weighing correctly.

3.     Buying a Weighbridge

There are several factors to consider when buying a weighbridge. For public weighbridges, you need to choose between inground and above ground weighbridges. You should also ensure that you have all the necessary equipment to perform accurate measurements.

However, the most important factor to consider when buying a weighbridge is finding a reliable supplier. A reliable weighbridge supplier offers verifiable warranties for their products and equipment. They also offer continuous technical support for the equipment you buy.

Once your business becomes operational you need to ensure that you have minimal downtime. Acquire quality equipment and plan regular professional maintenance. This ensures that your weighbridge and instruments always give optimal performance.

4.     Consider Automation

The next stage of weighbridge efficiency is to incorporate automated measurement devices. Automated weighbridges require less operational personnel reducing your risk of errors. They can also be used 24 hours a day.

Automated weighbridges use intricate sensors to weigh trucks accurately then issue a measurement ticket. The NMI has specific guidelines on how to incorporate automated control systems in your weighbridge system.

Operating a public weighbridge is a sensitive task because your clients rely on you to be accurate. Your success depends on the reliability of your measurements. You may need to update your equipment regularly to comply with the regulations and stay ahead of your competition.