The trucking industry grew out of the need to move valuable cargo over land with ease and flexibility. Unlike trains, trucks are not limited to the railway network. As small cities began popping up all over the country, the limitations of railway transport became apparent.
The upsurge of small and medium enterprises rather than large corporations reinforced the trucking industry. Smaller companies created a demand for targeted yet affordable transportation services for heavy goods. The need for these tailored transport services was a major factor that fueled the growth of the heavy-duty trucking industry in Australia.
Consequently, the vibrant heavy-duty vehicle industry created a need for weight regulations. Weighbridges were introduced in several parts of the country to enforce regulations. This article looks into a few reasons why it is beneficial for your trucking business to invest in weighbridges.
Playing Safe
One of the main challenges that weight regulations protect against is overloading. Overloading and uneven loading of cargo is a leading cause of heavy vehicle failures and fatal accidents.
With an axle weighbridge, you can ensure that the weight of your cargo is evenly distributed to prevent your truck from wobbling. Unstable trucks can cause anxiety that can lead to accidents.
If you can keep the weight on each of your axles within the manufacturers recommended limits, you can save your truck from breaking down and delaying important cargo transportation.
Compliance to Regulations
Reliable trucking companies build their reputations on compliance with industry and regulatory standards. Every truck on the road has weight limitations based on the configuration and designation. Many of the regulations set by regional and national authorities are designed to protect the condition of the roads. If you have a weighbridge, you can ensure that you are operating within the set limitations when planning your trips.
Revenue Calculation
A lot of cargo that is transported in trucks is not easy to measure on the ground. Some loads are bulky while others are dangerous to handle. A weighbridge allows you to measure your material while it is on a truck.
You can get the exact weight and value of the cargo in transit by weighing the truck before and after loading or offloading. In this way, the weighbridge saves you time when verifying revenue calculations.
Some companies base their billing systems on the weighbridge readings. With limited time to measure every item, the company attaches a monetary value to the weight of a type of product. The difference in scale readings tells you the value of your cargo.
Logistical Efficiency
The efficiency of your trucking operations is based on striking a balance between the value of your cargo and the cost of transporting it. It is generally more efficient to move a truck only when it is loaded to its optimal capacity. Operating an underloaded truck can cost you potential revenue. Alternatively, overloading a truck puts extra strain on its components and may result in frequent costly maintenance operations.
Improved Record Keeping
With the best weighbridge software, you can begin keeping accurate digital records of your operations. This reduces the need for messy paperwork and record-keeping. Digital record-keeping can give you time to focus on other aspects of your business. The records can help to evaluate the long-term performance of individual trucks and drivers.
There are several advantages to having a weighbridge for your trucking business if you have a large fleet. However, if you only have a few trucks, you can use a public weighbridge to compliment your operations. Knowledge of the weight of your truck gives you peace of mind and confidence on the road.
