Truck drivers are drawn to the profession because of the freedom offered by the open road. Whether driving domestically or internationally, you鈥檒l get to experience locations most people only hear about.
While you鈥檙e making good time on your first haul, may notice a sign for a weigh station. Your trucking school told you about them, but here鈥檚 an explanation of what to expect from your first experience.
What Is a Weigh Station?
If you鈥檙e on the border of two states, a weigh station might be called a port of entry.
Weigh stations ensure that the open road you鈥檙e enjoying is safe to drive on. Commercial motor vehicles (CMV) transport heavy materials. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the highway patrol run weigh stations to make sure your rig isn鈥檛 so heavy that it damages the road.
Who Has to Stop?
All CMVs . However, due to the large number of truckers on the road, these stations can get backed up. The delays can put you behind schedule. can save you time by finding available weigh stations in the area.
lets you pre-screen your vehicle ahead of your trip. When you get to a PrePass-equipped station, you鈥檒l be notified if you can continue on the road or if you need to pull over for an inspection.
What Should I Expect?
Once through the weigh station line, you鈥檒l drive to the scale. It鈥檒l give you directions on how fast you should drive over it and when to stop your truck. Your rig can have a . In some cases, the DOT will weigh each axle.
After passing the scale, there might be an inspection. Your DOT number will be input into a computer. Your logbook will be examined for accuracy, and they鈥檒l check your safety rating. First-time drivers likely won鈥檛 have a safety rating yet. In that case, you鈥檒l get a pass.
Sometimes, the DOT will also perform a detailed safety inspection of your rig. The inspection includes ensuring that there are no leaks, that the tires are full, and that the brakes function. They鈥檒l also look for damage and poorly secured equipment.
Once you pass the weighing and inspection, you鈥檙e free to get back on the road.
Our accredited day and night courses provide students with classroom and road experience, preparing them for life on the road as truck drivers. For more information on our hours and financial aid program, reach out to us at (330) 239-2229.
- OH Reg. #2057
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