Want to know why weighbridges are important and how an in-motion weighbridge can enhance your operations? Read on to find out more.
What is an in-motion weighbridge?
An in-motion weighbridge performs the same task as other weighbridges – that is, to weigh loads of outgoing and incoming trucks. This ensures not only that trucks are loaded appropriately within safety guidelines but also greater transparency throughout the supply chain. However, where traditional weighbridges require the driver to stop while measurements are taken, in-motion weighbridges remove this requirement.
The embedded sensors in an in-motion weighbridge calculate the weight of each axle on a moving truck, so drivers no longer have to stop to record weight. When used correctly with the right software, readings are taken automatically, and drivers can be notified in real-time if there are issues with their load weight.
Why are weighbridges important?
The use of weighbridges in the transport industry is essential for a number of reasons.
Keeping it legal
For safety reasons, Australia has overloading laws that all drivers and companies must adhere to. Overloading offences are split into 3 distinct categories depending on the severity of the breach:
- Minor: An overload of less than 5%. Fines range from $1,100 – $5,500 for a first offence. Subsequent breaches can cost between $2,200 – $11,000.
- Substantial: An overload of 5-20%. First offences cost $2,200 for individuals and $4,400 for corporations. Subsequent offences are $11,000 for individuals and $22,000 for corporations.
- Severe: An overload of 20% or more. First offence fines for individuals are $5,500 plus $550 for each overload percentage. This doubles for subsequent breaches. Corporations could be up for $27,500 plus $2,750 per overloaded percentage, and again, this doubles for future breaches.
Tracking load discrepancies
Trucks should be weighed when leaving their facility of origin so there is a record of the load. Upon arrival at the destination, it should also be weighed to ensure the full load has been delivered. While it’s nice to assume that everybody operates ethically, unfortunately, that isn’t the case. In this situation, weighbridges ensure that the whole delivery load is accounted for; it also ensures that companies cannot ‘short-change’ their customers by delivering less than ordered.
Safety
An overloaded truck presents serious safety risks not only to the driver but to all road users. Hence, the severe fines for overloading. Overloaded trucks take longer to brake, on top of the fact that a semi-truck already has a 40% longer braking time than a normal car. There is also a risk of other accidents, such as trucks tipping or jackknifing.
Benefits of an in-motion weighbridge
There are several benefits to in-motion weighbridges in addition to the factors mentioned above. Firstly, in-motion weighbridges reduce labour and operating costs. They work automatically, notifying drivers if they are overloaded – that means nobody needs to monitor them.
Particularly if you operate a high-traffic operation or job site with trucks going in and out frequently, there is a considerable productivity benefit when trucks don’t need to stop.
In addition, in-motion weighbridges are built to last, and they’re capable of handling a weight of up to 20 tonnes. Because they’re built with a stainless steel load cell and reinforced heavy floor plate, they’re extremely durable.
If you would like to know more about how an in-motion weighbridge can help your productivity and load accuracy, contact NWI Group today. We’re Australia’s experts in weighbridge technology, software and accessories.
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