why are weigh stations always closed

So you kind of just have to follow where the big strong voice is.. For a full explanation on the service, the driver can refer to the video and documentation below. This section of I-75 between Toledo and Detroit is the second-busiest section of roadway for commercial traffic in the United States, said Michigan State Police Lieutenant Steve Pascoe, 1st district commanding officer with the MSPs commercial vehicle enforcement division. The Ultimate Weigh Station Guide. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Fleet managers are always looking for ways to save money. Weigh stations categorize loads as either divisible or non-divisible. Keeping every weigh station open at all times is a waste of state law enforcement manpower and resources. Engineers agree that commercial trucks simply do cause more road damage than other vehicles with one 80,000 pound truck the equivalent of roughly 5-10,000 cars, depending on which government study you consult and that damage tends to increase exponentially as trucks get heavier. But heres the thing about that money, That money collected goes to the libraries, said State Rep. Marilyn Lane, a Macomb County Democrat. Load cell truck scales are made of concrete or steel with an electric wire as a sensitized strain gauge. Did classic rock band Grand Funk Railroad write their name on the Grand Trunk RR bridge in Flint. He lives in Kalamazoo. The heavy weights can cause damage to the roadway or bridges through normal wear and tear, but if a truck is overweight either with its axles or overall weight, there is more damage caused. When I started in 1998, we had 21 motor carrier officers stationed at Monroe, Pascoe said. And what that does is it shows up on the computer screen there, approximately how much they weigh.. But a relative lack of man power isnt the only reason Fitzgeralds teamdoesntoften open stations. For more information, please see our In those situations, when the drivers have a . A recent Congressional Budget Office study also found that trucks cause roughly 74-96 cents per ton-mile in unpriced external costs when it comes to pavement damage. One gets a truck thats overloaded, one gets a truck thats got equipment violations and one does a random inspection. The fine you receive can also be based on how many offenses you have had in the past, with second offenses potentially costing double or triple the amount of a fine. A weigh station is a checkpoint along a highway to inspect vehicular weights and safety compliance criteria. Daugherty gets a hand from technology. It implies that we truckers are driving illegal and need to avoid being caught at a weigh station. This is often the case on weekends, holidays, and sometimes even late at night. We can't have an accident, so now we have to pull everything through. Most states have requirements that any truck that weighs 10,000 pounds or more has to stop at any, and all, weigh stations. Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by DAX_, Jan 19, 2018. An NCAA Tournament Game You Know Nothing About, Jets Kicker Goes Full Charlie Brown On Embarrassing Opening Kickoff, Ex-Celtics Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce React To Ime Udoka Rumors, Four Teams Andrew Benintendi Could Sign With In MLB Free Agency, Christian Vzquez's Astros Tweet Opens Door For Red Sox Return, Top Five Worst Celtics Moves During Danny Ainge Era, Joey Logano Edges Out Ross Chastain To Win NASCAR Cup Series Title, Seven-Time Champion Jimmie Johnson Making Return To NASCAR. Truck weigh stations are important because weighing trucks prevents overweight trucks from going onto highways that cannot handle the heavy load. We need to immediately, if nothing else, reduce our weights to 80,000 (pounds), and start preserving and protecting our pavement immediately, she said. The states busiest weigh station is on I-75 just south of Monroe. When the truck's weight compresses the electric wire, it sends the electric current to a junction box. If troopers elect to weigh a truck, the fines for overweight loads increase depending on the weight, with a $1,600 fine being issued for loads that are 20,000 pounds over the limit. Similarly, there are facilities and rules as per the states. In addition to following weight regulations, there are many more reasons why commercial trucks should always be weighed. The one that failed miserably? If that's when you do a lot of your distance driving you may be just not out when many truckers are and therefore the weigh stations are closed. Its a busy beat. Judge rejects request to deny counting thousands of Detroit ballots, Judge orders high school to let student use public address system for anti-Prop 3 message, US Justice Department will monitor election in five Michigan cities. Along I-80 in Nebraska, though, the signage directs TRUCKS and . The purpose - not the "intended purpose" - is to weigh trucks to make certain they are not overweight. The primary reason the signs read "closed" is because State Patrol inspection staff is very limited, Maxson said. Intoxalock Ignition Interlock. Whatever the engineering truth of the matter, the idea of lowering truck weight limits is a fairly popular one with the public. Total Weigh Stations & Truck Scales: 23. Where did the iconic Detroit "D" come from? 1. Most weigh stations force drivers to "shut down" their operation if a truck weighs more than 6,000 pounds over maximum gross weight. Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. This pass comes helpful when the driver encounters that the weigh station is closed. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. How Weigh Station Bypass Programs Reduce Fuel Costs and How Weigh Station Bypass Programs Reduce Fuel Costs and How weigh station bypass programs help fleets reduce fuel costs and avoid fines. $52 billion worth of goods crossed the U.S.-Canada border in June 2015 alone. Theres a lot of talk (though as of yet, no action) about a long-term solution for fixing Michigans crumbling roads. Here are some tips for voting. The vast majority of that freight in Michigan, about two-thirds of it is carried by truck. On top of that, Michigan allows so-called super loads exceeding that amount for a flat additional $50 a year. Los Angeles, CA 90006. Coincidentally, the station on the southbound side was closed that day. Thats the highest weight limit in the nation, and more than twice the federal standard. Weight is the primary reason, that is why they are called scales. Send questions to: justaskus@madison.com; Just Ask Us. Gunner75 Road Train Member. Home. This is all common knowledge for those in the fleet industry. Why is there a weight limit for trucks? Truck scales come in 3 common types: 1. The availability of trailers means the trucks are carrying heavy loads. We offer inexpensive quality work and expertise in every mechanical sector including tires, front end work, emission. 1-5 Months Weigh stations are a part of a trucker's career and there is little way to avoid them entirely. That generated about $4.5 million in fines. Terms | 3 Years If they're always open, overweight trucks will actively avoid them. Any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that weighs over 10,000 pounds is required to stop at a weigh station unless the driver has a PrePass or other weigh station bypass service. 4 Years An individual who enters the trucking industry as a fleet driver gradually uncovers all the rules and regulations. Most states require that any commercial vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds stop at a weigh station along the interstate. The good news is that weigh stations aren't always going to be a required stop for you. I Need CDL Training The State Police run the operations, so we asked. CDL Grad, No Experience : r/NoStupidQuestions; 3 3.Why do truck weigh stations seem like they're always closed? The Old English "D" has become emblematic of the city of Detroit it can be seen tattooed on forearms or stuck on the bumpers of cars, and of course, all, The Michigan Legislature is entering another round of negotiations to raise money for Michigans roads, following a decisive defeat of Proposal 1.Jennifer, As part of our MI Curious project, Flint's CodyLaRue asked us the following question:There is an old railroad bridge in Flint that has "grand funk, Michigan Department of Transportation contends, do cause more road damage than other vehicles. But whenever it comes up for a vote in Lansing, it fails most recently in the State Senate late last year. Do not know if this replicated in game. This is why we're not out during rush hour." The purpose of weigh stations is to keep the roads safe. 20. Stopping at a weigh station is required for trucks, as it is a stop where the Department of Transportation (DOT) inspects the weight of a vehicle to ensure truckers are traveling with a safe load. When approaching a weigh station the driver's mobile device will display prompts indicating distance to the weigh station and whether they have been granted a bypass. Theres some dispute over those numbers, though, at least on the national level. The computer flags some potentially overweight trucks, and flashes a signal ordering them around back. So seeing that closed sign made Ethan Winter wonder: Are we using all the resources we currently have to limit the damage done by large trucks to our roads?. And I realized I could count the number of times it was open on one hand.. We cant have an accident, so now we have to pull everything through. Detroiters facing unsafe conditions can withhold rent payments. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Today is Election Day. Other sensors pick up more information: like how fast the truck is going, and how many axles it has. 2 Years She thinks another one should too: the World War Two-era state law that allows trucks up to 164,000 pounds on Michigan roads. We can't have an accident, so now we have to pull everything through. At that time, State House Speaker Kevin Cotter said it was all about getting enough votes. One question that comes up a lot in the surrounding debate: What role do all those heavy trucks play, and what should we do about them? Why are weigh stations always closed? Job Listing Rules. So when the legislature again tried, and failed, to get a road funding package earlier this summer, truck weights werent even up for discussion. What vehicles have to go through weigh stations in California? When a truck pulls into a weigh station, cameras read the license plate number or the DOT number of the truck. Wisconsin has 13 weight stations, but many of the states former weigh stations have permanently closed without having their buildings torn down. Mechanical condition, whether cargo is properly secured. Second, it makes some unkind implications. When I asked why, Pascoe said its because an officer was out with an injury. There are two primary reasons why trucks have to stop at weigh stations. The station was replaced by a more modern facility near Beloit, Maxson said. It turns out the truck team does weigh a lot of trucks. Trucks that weigh over the regulated weight limit can cause irreparable damage to roads and bridges. In the following States you will have to stop at weigh stations if your cargo van meets the following criteria but check as sometimes laws may change: Alaska - Any vehicle with a GVWR over 10,000lbs. Right now we have 12., https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=121&v=fIsqWrZrWq0. 5,701 9,070. Hollywood Sunset Test Only Station. That information shows the qualification of the carrier to participate in PrePass. This relates to a trip I took last month through the midwest, specifically for this example Nebraska and Iowa, but I think has more national relevance. Lt. Pascoe says even if a weigh station is closed, that doesnt mean no one is watching. 16. As it turns out, though, there are perfectly good reasons for why theyre not always open. Not only would you write a check to fund the salary of the officer who caught your driver, he would lose time and money waiting until another truck arrives to unload the excess weight. They are licensed and taxed by weight, since more weight causes more highway wear and maintenance. Lane thinks all that needs to change. In many states, any vehicle over 10,000 pounds must stop at a weigh station. But things might get a little better out on the highways. Arkansas - Any vehicle or combination of vehicle and trailer with a GVWR above 10,000lbs. I give my express consent authorizing TruckersReport and its. From Business: Family owned smog check and repair station. The pickups have to stop at the weigh stations when they have a trailer on the backside. "So right now, they're almost backed out onto the highway. Truckers tend to not to be driving during busy times, holidays, etc because it costs the companies that hire them more (takes longer and sometimes involves overtime). Sgt. And, the agency argues that if gross vehicle weights were lowered, it would result in more trucks on the road and more road damage. There are different ways for a trucker to tell if a weigh station is open, such as apps like Truckers Path Pro, but most reliably are the indicator lights and other . It's critical . When traveling along the interstate, drivers should keep their eyes peeled for signs indicating a weigh station is up ahead. We only stop trucks when we are available to give them attention, Maxson said. What are Weigh Stations for? Unless its changed in the year or so since Ive been thru there. If a weigh station is closed, you won't have to stop and waste your time. The technology allows the State Patrol to let most vehicles pass and focus on trucks that are more likely to have violations. Page 3 of 3 < Prev 1 2 3. Michigan Radios Sarah Cwiek looked into this question from Ethan Winter, who asked: Why are all the weigh stations always closed?, The existing resources: 14 weigh stations, 102 enforcement officers, a lot of trucks. Out on the highway, bypass program transponders and mobile apps relay the safety record and credentials of the truck and its fleet to the weigh station. You can cancel at any time! Stuff like that happens. Who Has to Stop at a Weigh Station? In order to avoid the weigh stations, you'll need to know if they're going to pop up on your designated route. Website. Facility north of Ridgefield is being renovated, will reopen this year. As were talking, motor carrier officer Nathan Daugherty is watching a constant stream of trucks rumble past at 30 miles an hour. Any trucker who has traveled the length of I 95 in Maine will tell you that it is a large state. Oneof the issues with the weigh station is the volume of traffic, Fitzgerald told Herwick. They're equipped with portable scales, and the same kind of "weigh-in-motion" sensors used at the weigh stations. If the weigh station is open, the signs will indicate the speed limit you . CLOSED NOW. Currently, 38 weigh stations are strategically located throughout California. Now all the inspectors are busy and instead of keeping the signs open and letting the trucks run across, they close the sign so the trucks can continue and not be unnecessarily delayed. If a weigh station is closed, the driver is not required to stop. Do hotshot drivers have to stop at scales? Detroit renters with building problems do have options. The first reason is safety. There are also special gadgets you can get that allow you to bypass weigh stations along the highway. Weigh stations are still used to enforce the tracking and submission of the logs and the payment of the fuel tax. You will see signs for moose crossings along the interstate and you may have a . Privacy | Usually, trucks and commercial vehicles are subject to the inspection. Jun 27, 1994. have any scales." The other three weigh stations are on southbound I-65 and on eastbound and. CLOSED NOW. They are operated by the Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles depending on the state. The signs will tell you where the weigh station is and if it is open or closed. Two reasons why trucks have to stop at weigh stations: safety and taxation. The map of Maine makes it look deceptively small. Some highway roads may have certain weight limitations which means they are only able to handle a certain amount of weight before they break down. Maryland weigh station The following vehicles must stop: (1) agricultural vehicles over 10,000 lbs. Per these regulations, a truck can weigh no more than 80,000 pounds and must be no more than 102 inches wide and 14.6 feet tall. In the past 20yrs of my driving . Though commercial traffic is just rebounding after a dip following the 2008 economic downturn, freight traffic has surged since the implementation of NAFTA and increased international trade. There is now an International Fuel Tax Agreement which allows truckers to file a quarterly tax report. "So right now, they're almost backed out onto the highway. Daugherty admits its a lot to process all at once. We can't have an accident, so now we have to pull everything through. iRacing Teams With Kasey Kahne Racing In World Of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, Mike Francesa Shows How To B.S. Stopping at weigh station are required by law for a couple of reasons. But just because a sign says closed doesnt mean the weigh station isnt in operation. Fines - An overweight truck can lead to a major fine or a ton of small fees and is all based on the state you are in. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Rather, units like Fitzgeralds are there to look for clues that trucks are carrying loads weighing more than 80,000 pounds. Plus, he only has so many officers to work with. Sarah Cwiek joined Michigan Radio in October 2009. Weigh stations are generally closed during periods of heavy traffic, such as weekends or commuter drive times, and truck drivers are not required to stop at a closed weigh station. State to close I-65 weigh station. For some states this weight can be higher, but the rule is the same - all commercial trucks should stop at every weigh station when they are open. But it also gives the inspectors a chance to peek at your truck to see if it's highway-worthy and/or to check your paperwork. In CDL School Now So seeing that "closed" sign made Ethan Winter wonder: "Are we using all the resources we currently have to limit the damage done by large trucks to our roads?" Weigh stations are the primary mechanism we have for policing the trucks on our roads, and making sure they're in compliance with a whole host of federal and state standards. If you're trying to avoid the weigh stations, you can either take an alternate route or wait until the weigh station closes. Lane, vice chair of the House Transportation Committee, thinks that law needs to change. Seemingly every time we drive past a weigh station on the highwayits closed. Why Weigh Stations? Just ask us: Why are the weigh stations off the interstates seemingly always closed? New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. weigh station near the Wi border. You can plan out your trip on your phone, typing the destination into a map app. What you need to know from the experts at GPS Trackit. Each company we work with has specific experience requirements for their drivers. Policing trucks in one of the nations truck hotspots. Thats the case with the weigh station on northbound Interstate 90-39, just south of Madison. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Divisible loads can be divided into . But it turns out this issue of how much heavy trucks damage Michigan roads and even how to measure that is an issue of much debate. You need a routine, but at the same time, you cant be stuck in that routine to check each truck, he said. Christopher Bell, Ross Chastain Secure Spots In NASCAR Championship 4. Exceptions are sometimes made, but these are only made if the cargo cannot be broken down or separated. I got there. Theyre the ones that carry a lot of the most weight, Lane said. You might recall that state ballot measure that would have raised about $1.2 billion in annual road funding? Why is that? Without your consent employers will not be able to contact with job offers, would you like to opt-in now? Heres how one woman put her rent money aside and got to keep it. That means you could start seeing a few more stations displaying an open sign soon. and our What are weigh stations' intended purpose, and why are they seemingly always closed on US highways? ANDREA HOLECEK. Although these limits are in place, there are situations where a truck may seek an oversized permit. Therefore, the checking and verification of such trucks are necessary. Please select the number of verifiable months youve been driving professionally using your Class A CDL within the last 3 years. Drivers traveling north on Interstate 5 pass a closed ramp for the Washington State Patrol weigh station just north of . All told, carrier officers issued more than 38,000 citations in 2014, although just over 10% of those were for overweight violations. GVWR 11,500 pounds or more, unladen weight 8,001 pounds or more, or not equipped with an open box-type bed not exceeding 9 feet in length YES. Use of Weigh Station Help: gcakia: Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion: 14: 12-19-2012 02:37 PM: Weigh Station Question: Huck.hickson: Class A Motorhome Discussions: 20: 05-24-2012 01:13 PM: Weigh Station Northern IL / Southern WI: ebg338: Workhorse and Chevrolet Chassis Motorhome Forum: 4: 03-06-2010 04:40 PM: Weigh Station Requirements . 185 N Ventura Ave. Ventura, CA 93001. Can the Legislature get past politics and get to road funding? Weigh stations are not always closed at night. This can be extremely valuable to help truckers save valuable time. In order for you to receive the best possible offers, please make sure your answers above are accurate prior to submitting. Weigh stations are in place to ensure trucks do not exceed the maximum weight of 80,000 pounds. So right now, theyre almost backed out onto the highway. Plus, they avoid opening the stations when most of us are actually on the roads. Staff close the station when they dont have inspectors available. Went there on a Saturday afternoon (YES! Most drivers would agree that they just want to be on the road and on their way rather than stopped at a weigh station waiting for their turn to roll over the scales. 6. We can do everything out of our cars that we can do here at this weigh station, Pascoe said. Some highways have sensors built into the pavement that flag trucks near the roads weight limit. Why are weigh stations always closed? lol.

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