Advantages to Communication Equipment at Truck Weigh Stations

Millions of people drive by truck weigh stations each day and never really notice them. They may see semi trucks lined up, and perhaps a highway patrol car or two, but they aren’t aware of what is occurring. Those in the trucking industry are very aware of these stations, however, because they need to be quickly and efficiently processed through them in order to stay on schedule.

As in most things, communications are key to efficient weigh station operation. These state-run wayside stops serve an important role – they verify that trucks are operating within legal limits in terms of weight and the loads they carry. This is done by driving the truck onto a large scale, visually observing the load, and questioning the driver. Truck scale intercoms are very useful in these tasks.

By operating multiple weigh stations from one central location, and connecting them with an efficient intercom system, it is possible to reduce weigh station staff and save on operational costs. These intercoms are generally wireless and may be connected to the cellular telephone network, providing clear communications and reliable service. A driver simply pulls onto the scale and talks to the operator via the intercom. The scale sends truck weight data to the central control point for instant compliance checks. In addition, cameras are mounted to give the operator a complete view of all aspects of the truck and its load. Should the operator detect anything out of compliance, they can dispatch a highway patrol vehicle to the site within minutes for an in-person examination. Because most trucks are operated legally, this saves considerable time in processing – and to truckers, time is money.

These long-range wireless intercom systems are easy to install, very reliable, and accessible from anywhere that there is cellular telephone service. This means that dozens of truck scale wayside stops may be controlled from a single point, with corresponding efficiencies and cost savings. The central operator retains complete control of all aspects of the site, including the ability to raise and lower gates remotely and operation of the scale and cameras.

Truck scale intercoms are just one of the many ways in which state and local governments are leveraging technology to accomplish tasks at a lower per-truck cost. The driver may never realize that the person they are talking to is a hundred miles away. All that they know is that they are passing inspection and getting back on the road quickly.