An axle load is a very important consideration when it comes to the transportation of goods. Many carriers and shippers face high fines (Excess weight offences) for overloading vehicle axles. There are two options: weighing scales or software program. This blog post looks at these options in more details.
What is the difference between a vehicle weight scale and a software program?
Let’s look at both the weighing scale and the software program options:
Vehicle weighing scale
A vehicle weighing scale is a purpose-built scale for weighing the vehicle. Like weighing scales for humans or luggage. In like manner, there are scales available for weighing vehicles!
Simply, drive the vehicle over the vehicle scale. That is to say, as each axle rolls over the weighing scale, it shows the axle weight.
Software program
“A program is a means of “designing” loading, in advance to carry the maximum capacity.”
TruckLoader is a software program. Specially designed to maximize the loading capacity and optimize the load.
Ok! So now let’s put them to a test!
Conduct multiple tests
As stated above, using a program is an option. But, can the program do the job? And, How accurate is a program?
The best way to decide the accuracy is to conduct multiple tests. Then, compare program estimates with the scale readings. The test showed that the program could predict the readings. As well as, it improves the loading schemes. In fact, using TruckLoader increases the loading weight by 25% without axle overload.
Loading Speed
Time is money! Thus, the speed of loading is also an important factor. Weighing of the truck takes 10-15 minutes. If an overload is found, it is necessary to change cargo allocation: unload, reload and weigh it again. That’s a lot of work! Several such attempts, 3-4, take 500-800% more time than single loading.
Using the program, you plan the load on the computer. In other words, make adjustments based on the result. This is a fast and efficient way of rearranging the load. This kind of simulation is quick to do. It takes 1-10 minutes.
Great for saving time and human resource!
Accuracy
The whole purpose of measuring is to get an accurate measuring result. So, the accuracy of the measurement is an important factor.
This is huge!
The scale readings made on-site are not guaranteed! In comparison to the same vehicle measured at another location.
But, why? Different scales may produce different results. This is an issue. Now, how do you prove which measurement offers greater accuracy?
In contrast, the program estimates without error. The results are formula-based. This is a provable calculation for a particular vehicle. The program calculation is useful in disputing an overestimated reading of weighing scales.
Accounting for restrictions
Every country has its own permissible axle load that the vehicle must abide by. The permissible axle loads depend on roads, season, number and type of axles. Also, the distance between axles, and the type of wheels matters too. All these factors are considered when weighing and deciding on the shipment.
The program allows restrictions setting. It will not allow them to be exceeded. Scales do not show precisely when the overload occurs. The operator should make judgments. Meaning that a human factor come into consideration. Hence, the process is prone to errors.
Several points of unloading
Let’s take an example where there is a need to unload at several locations. At each location, the gross weight will change. This reflects on the axle load.
For each stop, re-calculation is required. This is because the remaining cargo rests on the hitch and the second axle of the vehicle.
Thus, when the load changes, it is likely to overload one of the axle.
In this case, the cargo allocation needs to be simulated in advance. Otherwise, you risk overloading the axles even with lower tonnage weight.
Vehicle planning
Vehicle planning is an important consideration when you have a large load volume. The first consideration is how many. And, the type of vehicles required.
Obviously, the scales are useless for this task. Your option is to use a spreadsheet or calculator. This can be a time-consuming and error-prone option!
TruckLoader can handle this beautifully!
Costs
Price is the most important consideration in deciding between program and scale. Scales are much more expensive than a program subscription. The price may exceed £15000, and besides, it requires an operator to perform weighings. But, the program can be run by anyone in the enterprise.
It could be a sales manager to determine the order. A specialist in the logistics department or a warehouse employee.
The program is easy to use. It can be learned in a few hours. The costs of scale increase when used without the program. The program complements the scale. It removes the need to reload products and reduce the weight of the shipped cargo.
Over the period, there is a likelihood of wear and tear on the scale. Besides, there may be repairs and maintenance costs. Programs are updated to reflect new laws and legislations. Scales may need costly upgrades.
Functionality
The purpose of the scales is to measure the weight. Right! This is what it meant to do. A program offers multiple functionalities. For example, simulation, country-related parameters, and reporting. Also, the program offers options to integrate with your systems. WMS, TMS, scales etc. Also, more functionality can be added to the program.
Conclusion
In summary, the scales are a means of measuring. In other words, it represents an actual situation. Scales have their values. But, it does not offer loading planning or optimizing.
Also, optimizing the loading scheme by trial and error is a very expensive process. As multiple reloading attempts will result in a much longer loading. Furthermore, it lowers carrying volume.
A program, on other hand, is a means of “designing” loading. You can rearrange the load in advance to maximum capacity. In general, fine-tune the load. The load can be fully optimized.
The biggest advantage of a program is the ability to store data. The Historical data are very useful for the comparison and fine-tuning of the system.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact us!