Impactful Updates to Handbook 44
The NIST Handbook 44 standard defines the specifications and tolerances for weighing and measuring devices used in the United States, including vehicle scales. In 2022, single draft weigh-in-motion (SD-WIM) vehicle scales were added to the scope of Handbook 44. These updated regulations will now allow legal-for-trade transactions on weigh-in-motion truck scales within certain tolerances. This will have an immediate and direct impact on states in the US who adopt Handbook 44 into law, enabling operations there to boost efficiency, ensure safety, and reduce emissions – at the truck scale.
“These updated regulations will now allow legal-for-trade transactions on weigh-in-motion truck scales within certain tolerances.”
To learn more about the updated regulations in Handbook 44, download this free white paper.
Static vs. Dynamic Weighing
A static weighment is the traditional way to complete a legal-for-trade weighing transaction. The vehicle pulls forward onto the scale and comes to a complete stop. The driver exits the vehicle to enter a scale house or use a kiosk to complete the weighment. The driver then receives a ticket and proceeds to pick up or drop off the load. Meanwhile, other trucks that need to be weighed may be idling while waiting in line.
During a dynamic weighment, the vehicle pulls forward onto the scale and continues at a constant speed throughout the weighment. The weight is then determined and displayed to the driver on a scoreboard. If previously stored contact information for the vehicle is available, the vehicle can be automatically identified, and the electronic ticket sent. The driver continues over the scale and proceeds to pick up or drop off the load. Meanwhile, other trucks can drive over the scale in succession, avoiding idling time and waiting in line.
An Ideal Solution for Legal-for-Trade and Checkweighing Applications
Previously, legal-for-trade operations have required trucks to come to a complete stop on the scale to obtain weighments. With the recent updates to Handbook 44, facilities can now opt to install a dynamic system, allowing drivers to drive over the scale while still obtaining a legal-for-trade weight.
Although checkweighing applications are not required to comply with Handbook 44, they can still benefit greatly from this technology. Checkweighing applications that previously relied on axle scales can now opt for SD-WIM to obtain a more accurate weight reading, and thus improve inventory control and more.
Photo: Mettler Toledo
How can aggregate operations benefit from upgrading to a weigh-in-motion solution?
1. Boost Efficiency: Eliminate Long Lines of Trucks
Weigh-in-motion scales take efficiency to the next level by eliminating the need for trucks to stop on the scale to complete a transaction. By keeping trucks in motion, operations can benefit from increased throughput potential and reduced congestion at the scale. Resulting in happy customers and improved on-site logistics.
2. Reduce Emissions: Meet Sustainability Goals
Keeping trucks in motion can help reduce overall traffic and thus reduce or even eliminate truck idling time at the scale. With fewer trucks idling for less time, an operation can expect to see a major impact on their overall carbon footprint and more easily achieve their sustainability goals.
“With fewer trucks idling for less time, an operation can expect to see a major impact on their overall carbon footprint.”
3. Prolonged Fleet Life: Reduce Tire and Brake Maintenance
Consistently braking on the scale to be weighed statically can speed up the wear and tear process of fleets. Weigh-in-motion truck scales can prolong the life of tires and brakes by reducing the frequency of harsh starting and stopping.
4. Improved Operation: Driver Safety and Data Management
Since in motion weighing enables drivers to complete transactions from their cab, the risk of potential safety hazards such as slips or traffic accidents is eliminated. Additionally, with the integration of a transaction management software, operations can eliminate costly human errors in data handling and gain better visibility into true operations.
METTLER TOLEDO TruckPass™ Weigh-in-Motion Solution
As a global leader in vehicle weighing, METTLER TOLEDO is the first company to offer a legal-for-trade single draft weigh-in-motion vehicle scale (CC 22-025). TruckPass™ is a dual mode scale that can operate as either a static or dynamic scale, and the scale can switch between modes automatically. This gives you the flexibility to use your scale in dynamic mode for your fleet trucks and in static mode for transient trucks. Or, use TruckPass in dynamic mode during busy times and in static mode during times of less traffic.
Revolutionize Your Process
Dynamic weighing has the potential to drastically improve your entire weighing process. METTLER TOLEDO TruckPass complies with the new Handbook 44 regulations and automates your weighing process for significant time savings and throughput improvement.
What are you waiting for? Join the weigh-in-motion movement with TruckPass today!
Header image: Mettler Toledo
This page was produced by North Coast Media’s content marketing staff in collaboration with Mettler Toledo. NCM Content Marketing connects marketers to audiences and delivers industry trends, business tips and product information. The Pit and Quarry editorial staff did not create this content.
