Weight Ticket

What is a Weight Ticket in Trucking

A Weight Ticket, also known as a scale ticket or weighbridge ticket, is a document that provides an official record of a vehicle’s weight. It’s generated when a truck is weighed on a certified scale, either empty or when loaded with goods. The Weight Ticket includes vital information such as the date, the vehicle’s identifying details, and the gross, tare, and net weights.

The process of obtaining a Weight Ticket involves two main stages:

1. Tare Weight: This is the weight of the truck when it’s empty. The vehicle is driven onto a scale without any cargo, and the weight is recorded. This is also known as the unladen weight.

2. Gross Weight: This is the total weight of the truck, including the cargo. The vehicle, now loaded with goods, is weighed again, and this figure is recorded. The difference between the gross weight and the tare weight gives the net weight, which is the actual weight of the cargo.

Importance of a Weight Ticket

Weight Tickets serve several important functions in the trucking industry:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Weight Tickets help enforce weight restrictions set by state and federal regulations. Overloading trucks can cause road damage and increase the risk of accidents. Regular weighing and the issuance of Weight Tickets ensure that vehicles comply with weight regulations.

2. Load Safety: Understanding the weight of a load is crucial to ensure safe transportation. It helps avoid overloading that could lead to poor vehicle handling, increased stopping distances, and even vehicle breakdowns.

3. Billing Accuracy: For freight charges calculated based on weight, the Weight Ticket provides the necessary verification. It ensures the shipper is billed correctly, and the carrier is paid appropriately.

4. Dispute Resolution: If there’s a discrepancy or dispute regarding the weight of the shipment, the Weight Ticket can serve as a reference. It provides an unbiased, certified account of the weight in question.

5. Fuel Efficiency: Knowing the weight of a vehicle and its cargo can help in planning for fuel efficiency. Heavier loads consume more fuel, so having accurate weight information can assist in estimating fuel costs and optimizing routes.

Conclusion

While it may seem like just another piece of paper, a Weight Ticket does have an important role in the trucking industry. It aids in maintaining legal compliance, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and providing transparency in transactions.
As a key player in the freight documentation process, the Weight Ticket carries a lot of weight indeed!

Link to DOT weight limits and classes.

Learn about Gross Vehicle Weight here.
Learn more about Weigh Stations here.
Learn about PrePass here.
Learn about Overweight Load here.