Rail Scale Systems
Coupled-in-Motion Railroad System
VKR208/VKR211
7360 Truck and Rail Combo Scale

What is a rail scale?

A railroad scale is a type of weighing equipment that is used to determine the weight of railway cars and their contents. These scales are typically located on railway tracks and consist of one or more sets of platform scales that are designed to accommodate the wheels of the train. Railroad scales may be used for a variety of purposes, including the calculation of shipping charges, the determination of the weight of goods being transported, and compliance with regulations related to weight limits and safety standards.

What type of rail scales are available?

METTLER TOLEDO has a variety of rail scale solutions depending on the required application:

Static Rail Scales – for weighing stationary rail cars. These offer proven strength in their structural design, ideal for demanding applications. These also offer proven longevity and long life. By using premium materials and manufacturing practices, these rail scales are known for lasting performance.

Coupled-in-Motion Rail Scales – for weighing rail cars as they travel across a section of a railroad track. These offer the highest efficiency in rail weighing. They are also rugged enough to withstand heavy loads and challenging environments year after year.

Rail Scale Conversions – to retrofit older scales by adding the latest in vehicle weighing technology, eliminating problems and extending your scales useful life. This solution helps to put an end to frequent downtime and high repair cost. Additional benefits include higher accuracy for a more profitable scale.

Combo Rail-Truck Scales – for operations requiring a truck scale and a rail scale. Rather than having each solution separately, which can take up a lot of space, our combo scales provide a single solution to bulk weighing needs. These offer the highest versatility to meet multiple vehicle weighing needs in one scale, saving space and money. They also offer superior strength and are built to handle the loading points of multiple vehicles.

What is coupled-in-motion rail car weighing?

Coupled-in-motion (CIM) rail car weighing is a type of weighing process used to determine the weight of railroad cars while they are in motion. This method involves the use of specialized sensors and software that can accurately measure the dynamic forces exerted on the rail tracks as the cars pass over them. Unlike traditional static weighing methods, which require the cars to be stationary and disconnected from one another, coupled-in-motion weighing can weigh the entire train in a continuous, seamless process. This can result in significant time savings and increased efficiency, particularly in high-volume rail yards and other busy transportation hubs. Additionally, CIM is widely considered to be more safe that static weighing, as the rail cars do not have to be un-coupled to weigh. Coupled-in-motion weighing technology is commonly used in industries such as mining, agriculture, and transportation to ensure accurate weight measurements and compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

What is the use case for a combo truck and rail scale?

The purpose of a combo truck and rail scale is to accurately weigh both trucks and rail cars. These scales are designed to handle the unique requirements of both types of vehicles and provide precise weight measurements for a variety of purposes. One of the main reasons for weighing trucks and rail cars is to ensure compliance with weight regulations. Overloaded vehicles can cause damage to roads and bridges, as well as pose a safety risk to drivers and other road users. Weighing vehicles also helps to prevent product loss and damage, as well as to ensure fair pricing and billing for freight transportation. Combo truck and rail scales can also be used to monitor inventory levels, track production output, and optimize load planning. In addition, they can help to detect fraud, such as when trucks or rail cars are only partially loaded but still charged for a full load. Overall, combo truck and rail scales play an important role in the transportation and logistics industry by providing accurate weight measurements for both trucks and rail cars, helping to ensure compliance with regulations, and optimizing operations for greater efficiency and cost savings.