Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) Systems
Solutions for Enforcement, Checkweighing and More
Weigh-in-motion (WIM) truck scales from METTLER TOLEDO are designed to accurately and efficiently measure the weight of vehicles in motion. The data collected from WIM scales can be used to enforce weight regulations, monitor vehicle performance, and identify potential safety hazards on the road. WIM truck scales are an innovative solution that can help streamline the weighing process for commercial vehicles, increasing efficiency and reducing congestion at a facility or on roads and highways.
Process Vehicles Faster
Compared to static weighing of trucks, in-motion solutions are shown to process up to 3X faster. For operations currently utilizing a static truck scale for checkweighing or inventory control, switching to a full-length, in-motion scale is an easy way to upgrade your process. METTLER TOLEDO has solutions available to convert full-length scales to in-motion, and for some countries, this solution is even legal-for-trade approved.
Reduce Truck Idling and Emissions
Static truck scales can be a bottleneck for traffic at busy operations. Implementing a weigh-in-motion scale for inbound, outbound or both can help to speed up processing time, and thus reduce truck idling time and emissions. For operations looking for creative ways to meet their sustainability goals, this is a good way to boost your metrics.
Ensure Compliance
For operations not utilizing a truck scale currently, implementing an axle scale is a good way to help verify over-the-road compliance before trucks leave the yard. With small footprints, these scales can be integrated into existing process flows without disruption. Ultimately this can help catch overloaded trucks before they hit the road, saving operations from fines and possible load detention.
Gather Insightful Data
Data is a critical part of every business, and the more data points you are able to gather, the better you will be at making decisions to improve operations. For operations not tracking truck weights currently, an axle scale is a good way to start capturing vehicle weights and more. By tracking trucks per day, average load, peak hours and more, businesses can get a more complete picture of their daily metrics.
FAQ
What different kinds of weigh-in-motion scales are available?
Depending on an operation's need, there are different kinds of weigh-in-motion technology available.:
1. WIM for DOT or Enforcement. These scales are enabled to weigh at very high speeds to check truck weights for legal tolerance over the road. These are typically the most visible scales to the general public, as they are often located on the side of the freeway.
2. WIM for Checkweighing. These scales are enabled to weigh at slower speeds with higher accuracy. These axle scales are ideal for distribution centers, ports or other businesses that simply want to check the weight of their trucks for inventory tracking, confirming legal over-the-road weights or load planning.
3. WIM for Trade. Available in select countries, there is now WIM technology which can achieve legal-for-trade levels of accuracy. This means the solution can be used to buy and sell goods over the scale, while keeping vehicles in motion. This is ideal for operations which currently utilize a full-length static scale and deal with bottleneck issues and traffic delays regularly.
How does a weigh-in-motion scale work?
Weigh-in-motion systems include load cell platforms that weigh a tractor trailer at a particular location, such as a weigh station. These systems provide the ability to weigh a truck in motion in real-time.
Weigh-in-motion systems measure the per-axle weight and gross weight of vehicles as they travel at highway speed. This technology detects axle-spacing so that vehicles can be identified by class. It also records the vehicle’s speed. At the heart of the weigh-in-motion systems' technology is the IND9W lane controller. This controller performs all command and communication functions to acquire and communicate data from the roadway weight and vehicle-position sensors. Its high-speed A/D converter ensures important information is captured quickly and accurately.
Weigh-in-motion systems include load cell platforms that weigh a tractor trailer at a particular location, such as a weigh station. These systems provide the ability to weigh a truck in motion in real-time.
How often do trucks have to stop at weigh stations?
Local governments carry different laws pertaining to how often a truck must stop at a weigh station. Weigh-in-motion or WIM scales can make weigh-station operation more efficient by sorting out potential violators for static weighing and inspection while permitting vehicles of legal weight to continue without interruption. Virtual WIM installations on routes that bypass weigh stations can help to ensure that vehicle load regulations are enforced, while traffic planning systems use WIM technology to monitor traffic. To avoid any legal ramifications, check local laws. To install WIM scales in your region, contact METTLER TOLEDO.
What trucks must stop at weigh stations?
Local laws regulate which trucks must stop at weigh stations. When weighing is required, weigh-in-motion or WIM scales can make weigh-station operation more efficient. These specialized scales allow operators to sort out potential violators for static weighing and inspection, while trucks of legal weight continue without stopping. Virtual WIM installations that bypass weighing stations altogether can help ensure that load regulations are enforced, while WIM technology allows traffic planners to closely monitor traffic. To avoid any legal issues, check local laws in the areas you operate in. To have WIM scales installed in your area, contact your METTLER TOLEDO representative.
What happens if you don't stop at weigh stations?
Local governments keep different laws on the books with regards to vehicles that don't stop at a weigh station. To avoid legal issues, review your local laws. WIM scales—also known as weigh-in-motion scales—make weigh-station processing more efficient. Potential violators can be sorted out for further inspection and static weighing, while vehicles of legal weight are able to continue without interruption. Virtual installations on routes bypassing weigh stations help to ensure that regulations regarding load weight are met. Traffic planners can also use WIM technology for traffic monitoring. To install WIM scales, contact METTLER TOLEDO.
What are the benefits of weighing trucks in-motion?
Weighing trucks in-motion compared to static has several benefits, including increased efficiency, improved safety, and reduced wear and tear on the weighing equipment. In addition, if an operation currently does not capture vehicle weights, installing a weigh-in-motion solution is a good way to seamlessly improve product tracking and ensure legal roadway compliance.