You may be wondering what benefits your business would gain by purchasing an axle weighing scale. With recent changes made toward the North American transportation system, the latest being in regards to time delivery, more pressure is being put on operators and their vehicles to increase efficiency and volume of materials. The problem that occurred was more accidents as the quality started to lose focus. Axles have a certain limit of weight that can be placed on a single axle.

Gross Axle Weight Rating

A vehicle’s gross axle weight rating, also known as its acronym GAWR, is the specific weight determined by the manufacturer to be the maximum weight to be placed on an individual axle. Front and rear axles may have different gross axle weight ratings. A vehicle’s axles should never be loaded above the manufacturer’s listed GAWR.

Ontario Ministry of Transportation Weight and Dimension Regulations provides information for the trucking industry about the weight and dimension regulations in Ontario. Legal weights and dimensions are needed to balance the capacity and geometric capabilities of the vehicle’s infrastructure with maximum economic benefits while ensuring road safety. 

Why is complying with regulations for axle weights important?

The primary reason for manufacturers to place a limit on how much weight an axle can carry is safety. Overloading any kind of vehicle, even trailers, is dangerous. Heavy loads are difficult to control on the road, however, if the heavy load is evenly distributed between the axles, the problem will resolve itself. If it is uneven or heavier on one side of the axle, the problem will only increase. Problems that may occur from uneven loads include:

  • The vehicle’s brake system will not be as effective
  • Road tires may not be able to handle the extra weight, potentially causing a blowout
  • Overloaded and overstressed components within the vehicle’s rear suspension system could bend or even break causing you to lose control on the road

Rules and guidelines for safe towing and hauling:

  • Ensuring the gross average weight never surpasses the GAWR on any vehicle
  • Balancing your load, keeping it as close to the cab as possible so the frame will distribute the load to both axles
  • Taking your time when fully loaded – braking will take you longer to stop, driving faster makes that distance even longer, and turning too fast can cause the load to shift which can mean a lost load or a rolled truck or trailer
  • Secure your load by tying it down with bungee cords, rope, or tie-down straps

Follow these rules and guidelines to ensure proper functionality of all equipment and vehicles. If axle weight distribution is important to your business, Active Scale provides easy installation and scales in permanent or portable designs.

Contact Active Scale today for inquiries about purchases, maintenance or other industrial needs at 1-866-284-2223.