Question:
Every weigh station in the nation seem to have a different way of doing things than the last one. For this reason it is very important to read all signs when entering a weigh station, while using the bypass lanes, and while actually pulling up on the scales. Some scales have ramp speeds of 30 mph while other are 10 mph. Some scales are single axle, others are multi axle. Some have two small scales that you must split your drive wheels on. Some scales have rolling scales, others do not. Some scales require you to come to a complete stop before pulling on the scales even if it empty. This is just a sampling of the things you can encounter when entering a weigh station. If you violate the "rules" of that scale house you will very likely find yourself ordered to park your rig and find yourself, at the very least, having a heart to heart talk with the scale master....aka having your butt chewed to pieces.
If for some reason you pull around behind the scale house, either on your own or because you were directed to, be sure to read the signs there. Some scales have specific places designated for vehicle that are targeted for inspection verses vehicles that are simply parking for another reason. Also some scale house prohibit parking for any reason except as directed by the scale master.
A few things all scales have in common or that you need to do.
1. Turn down your radio/CB
2. Roll down your window so you can hear any instructions given via the PA.
3. DO not shift gears until you have completely pulled off the scale.
4. Do not pull onto the scale until the truck in front of you has completely cleared.
5. If pulled around back and told to bring in all your paper work take in all your paper work (Bills, Log book, Drivers Lisc, Permit book, and medical card.) Do not make the scale master ask you to go back and get something.
6. If asked to come in or pull around back DO NOT pull an attitude with the scale master/inspector. You will only make matters worse in a heartbeat.
7. When leaving the scale house use the entire acceleration lane.
8. If hauling haz mat be sure to leave a copy of the bills in the truck if you are told to come inside the scale house. Be sure the bills are either on the drivers seat or in the drivers side door pouch. If you only have one copy for some reason DO NOT take them in.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
Something I have to mention about California scales.
Some of them, not all of them have a lane speed of 3mph for loaded trucks and 5mph for empty ones. Some scales allow empties to move thru at 20mph. It all depends on the scale.
Another thing about California scales, some have stop signs right before you drive on top of the scale, if this is the case make sure to stop EVEN IF THERE'S NO OTHER TRUCKS IN FRONT OF YOU, I've seen a few drivers get "Failure to stop" tickets for not obeying that stop sign.

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Yes, great post uturn. I don't recall this topic talked about too much here, or anywhere else for that matter.

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DO NOT unhook your seatbelt until the officer comes up to the door and asks for your CDL, logbook and everything else. Otherwise you'll probably get a ticket for a seatbelt violation. I've seen it happen.
Be polite and courtious even if you get cited for something. If you're told that you have a deficiency, ask politely (without the whiney tone), for him to show you what he's talking about.
Learn from your mistakes.
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"Got the bird dog on...
Dodgin' the scales...
80 miles an hour and a step outta jail..." From "Rollin' Home, Pirates of the Mississippi)
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"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)
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Member: Happy Dweller Society
Owner Operator Division


Answer:
When ever I have been pulled around back for an inspection. I go into inspection mode. Thats when everything the inspector says is correct. Doesn't matter if it's the dumbest thing I've ever heard I thank him for letting me know. It's a mode real close to butt kissing in hopes of avoiding a ticket.
I've seen drivers do the opposite to a point of argueing with the officer. They usually get a nice fat ticket and sometimes more than one. Polite is a much better response.
"There is just something about fresh winter snow and a river. The day is bright even if it is cloudy, the water is friendly even if it is cold and the fish are there even if they are not biting."

Answer:
Originally posted by Stuffs:
When ever I have been pulled around back for an inspection. I go into inspection mode. Thats when everything the inspector says is correct. Doesn't matter if it's the dumbest thing I've ever heard I thank him for letting me know. It's a mode real close to butt kissing in hopes of avoiding a ticket.
I've seen drivers do the opposite to a point of argueing with the officer. They usually get a nice fat ticket and sometimes more than one. Polite is a much better response.
"There is just something about fresh winter snow and a river. The day is bright even if it is cloudy, the water is friendly even if it is cold and the fish are there even if they are not biting."
And remember to smile and say "Yes Sir, No Sir" to 'em.

Answer:
When you are leaving Atlanta on I-85 north, traffic is pretty heavy even on sunday afternoons. After you get past Sugarloaf Parkway exit, exit 42 I think, traffic starts to thin out and now you can really cruise. I got into deep cruise mode doing 74-75ish and approx 70 miles later while still on northbound I-85 and not paying attention to signs, we cross into South Carolina. Here is a weigh station which I "blew." I was in trance--in cruise mode you see. I saw the "OPEN" sign too late. I saw a line of trucks to my right, but it was too late so I proceeded. I fully expected to see a cruiser with lights flashing behind me in a minute or two. However, several minutes and miles passed and no sign of SCDOT. I breathed a sigh of relief(while simultaneously a deceptive grin flashed across my face).

Answer:
Originally posted by Chad Sexington:
I was in trance--in cruise mode you see. I saw the "OPEN" sign too late. I saw a line of trucks to my right, but it was too late so I proceeded. I fully expected to see a cruiser with lights flashing behind me in a minute or two. However, several minutes and miles passed and no sign of SCDOT. I breathed a sigh of relief(while simultaneously a deceptive grin flashed across my face).
I was n/b on Hwy 71 by Harrisonville MO one morning a couple weeks ago. I knew the scale was there. I had been stuck behind some slow moving 4 wheeler for a couple miles and seen my chance to get around it. I checked the mirrors, dropped a gear, and mashed on it.
Once I got up even with the car, there was the sign. Oh well, too late to move over. I kept going, figureing I'd soon be having a roadside chat with some really nice officer in a great mood , but after 2-3 miles, no lights behind me.
Later as I was crossing the Kearney & Eagleville MO scales, I was pretty sure they'd call me in and issue me a ticket. But no dice! I was smiling all the rest of the way home.
I also pay a little bit more attention to where I'm at, in relation to the next scalehouse.
*******************************
"Got the bird dog on...
Dodgin' the scales...
80 miles an hour and a step outta jail..." From "Rollin' Home, Pirates of the Mississippi)
*******************************
"I've always been different with one foot over the line.
Winding up somewhere, one step ahead or behind.
It ain't been so easy, but I guess I shouldn't complain.
I've always been crazy, but it's kept me from going insane." (from Waylon Jennings)
**************************
Member: Happy Dweller Society
Owner Operator Division


Answer:
Thanks for that. I thought I had added that in my list of things to do at every scale house. Looks like I missed it though.
In case you can not figure out what I am talking about folks it is this:
Come to a complete stop before pulling onto the scales, drop into a low gear and idle forward onto the scales.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
Answer:
I believe that when scales are backed up out to the highway everyone should bypass them.I have
done this three times at E-town,Ky scales and
no problem yet.if I get a ticket I have a lawyer
ready to go to court with me.

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about by passing scales when the ramp is full. Some states allow this and will have signs that say you are allowed to by pass if the ramp is full and will also have signs indicating at what point the ramp is full. Other states do not allow you to by pass and if caught they will issue some very hefty fines.
Personally I think all states should allow trucks to automatically by pass overloaded scale houses as being backed out onto the road is dangerous.
If you find yourself backed out onto the road and choose not to take a chance and move on please be sure to turn on your 4 ways (hazards) and leave them on until such a time as you clear the road.
I will always be a mutter trucker at heart.
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LA is on state don't blow by even if ramp is full they passed a deal about a year ago 2,500. Hell I'll shut down the Inter State before I by-pass LA scales.

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If the ramp is full in ANY damned state I'm going on past. If the incompetent jerks in the scale house can't weigh trucks any faster, then they can just see me the next time. One gripe I have is it seems like JB hunt drivers think they should stop on a 30 mph speed scale. Usually causing a major backup. Wonder if that's something they learned in school?
Better to have it and not need it as need it and not have it!Just remember:If the world did'nt suck, you'd fall off!
The more I see and read about Republicans and Democrats, the more I wish we had an Independent Party.
IMPEACH BUSH!!!!!!!!!!

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These are questions I have everytime I come to a new scale! How am I suppose to cross this one? (Hoss, didn't we have this very same conversation at our little b.s, session last week?) i.e. speed, stop, split axles, roll across? Best advice always read all the signs as mentioned.
I also like to pay close attention to the truck in front of me.
Radios off windows down.
Just got back from my first trip out west, new wrinkle, Port of Entries! Was not sure what to take in, asked another driver who was on his way in, he said all they want to see is the permit book, but they can ask for anything. A smile a good attitude and I wass on my way!
Drive on! bandit58....

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The officers in Towac and Cortez were usually helpful in returning port runners to the Cortez POE. Once had a driver placed OOS take US 161 toward Durango to get to Albuquerque after being placed OOS.
Used to be the POE was good about letting drivers go back into Cortez to have their vehicles fixed after being placed OOS to save the company the cost of a service call until a couple of drivers abused the system and ran OOS orders.
The driver that went to Durango after being placed OOS did so at his company's request. Wish I'ld known then what I know now. Would of had the carrier zinged for operating a vehicle placed OOS.
John Q.
"If men were angels...No government would be necessary."
51st Federalist Papers"If men were angels...No government would be necessary."
51st Federalist Papers
"Nichols' Fourth Law says, "Avoid any action with an unacceptable outcome"