Choosing the right mobile axle-weighing scale is crucial for fleet managers to increase efficiency, reduce operating costs and ensure compliance with legal requirements. This guide will help you understand the advantages of mobile axle-weighing scales and find the best solution for your needs.
The problems of overloading: facts and consequences
Overloaded vehicles not only increase operating costs but also pose a serious threat to road safety and infrastructure throughout Europe. According to Eurostat, total road freight transport in the EU reached over 13.1 billion tonnes and 1,867 billion tonne-kilometres in 2024 – placing significant strain on roads, bridges, and vehicle fleets.
Higher fuel costs
More weight means higher fuel consumption.
Increased wear and tear
Overloaded vehicles wear out faster, which results in higher maintenance costs. Excess weight can cause tyres to overheat and explode, and there is an increased potential for load shifting, which can make the vehicle unstable.
Legal penalties
Overloaded vehicles risk heavy fines when stopped at weighing stations.
Safety risks
Euro NCAP truck tests have shown that trucks loaded above their rated capacity are at significantly higher risk of rolling over during crash avoidance manoeuvres such as swerving. Overloading also drastically increases the braking distance of heavy trucks due to the additional weight shifting when braking.
Legal implications of load compliance
Non-compliance with load regulations can have serious legal consequences. Fines for exceeding weight limits are substantial and vary depending on the severity of the non-compliance. In some cases, this can lead to the immobilisation of the vehicle or even to criminal prosecution. To avoid legal complications, precise weighing of vehicles is crucial.
Load compliance and load securing in the European Union
Compliance with legal weight and dimension limits is essential for adhering to road traffic regulations. This includes the EU transport rules on road safety, particularly those defined in Directive 96/53/EC, which sets the maximum authorised dimensions and weights for vehicles used in international road transport within the EU.
The European Union (EU) has created a comprehensive framework to regulate the weights and dimensions of commercial vehicles operating in its member states. These regulations, set out in Directive 2015/719/EU, are designed to ensure road safety, fair competition and the protection of road infrastructure throughout the region.
Weight limits and axle configurations
he EU Directive sets out the maximum permissible weights for different vehicle categories and axle configurations. Some important weight limits are:In addition to the gross vehicle weights, the Directive also sets out maximum weights for single, tandem and tridem axles to ensure appropriate load distribution and minimise road damage.
- Gross vehicle weight (GVW) for rigid trucks: 40 metric tonnes
- Maximum permissible gross weight for tractor-semitrailer combinations: 40 metric tonnes for a five- or six-axle articulated vehicle
- Maximum permissible gross weight for road trains (several trailers): 44 tonnes for a seven- or eight-axle combination.
Penalties for exceeding weight limits
Non-compliance with weight limits can result in severe penalties. These range from fines of several thousand euros to the immobilisation of overloaded vehicles. Particularly serious offences may even result in criminal prosecution.
Load compliance and load securing in the European Union
At the EU level, load compliance and cargo securing are primarily governed by Directive 2014/47/EU on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles. This directive includes minimum requirements for the securement of loads during transport to ensure road safety, prevent accidents, and protect infrastructure.
Key elements of EU load securing requirements include:
Permitted Load Securing Methods
The directive requires the use of suitable securing techniques such as lashing, blocking, direct securing, or friction-based methods, depending on the type of cargo and vehicle configuration.
Stability and Load Distribution
Cargo must be placed and secured in a way that ensures stability, avoids slippage or tipping, and maintains proper axle load distribution, as defined in Annex III of Directive 2014/47/EU.
Securing Equipment Requirements
The directive mandates the use of appropriate securing equipment, including straps, chains, edge protectors, anti-slip mats, and other certified tools that comply with harmonised EU standards.
Vehicle-Specific Considerations
Load securing must consider vehicle-specific characteristics, such as the type of trailer, load-bearing capacity, and restraint systems, in line with EU-wide safety criteria.
Responsibility and Inspection
The directive outlines the responsibilities of drivers, loaders, and operators, and provides guidelines for inspection procedures, documentation, and penalties in case of non-compliance.
Suitable industrial scales for the transport industry
Selecting the right industrial truck scale depends on the specific application and requirements in your fleet. The main scale types for the transport industry are explained below.
Axle weighers
Axle load scales measure the weight of each axle of a vehicle and are ideal for mobile weight enforcement on the spot. Axle load scales such as the Gram PR are particularly useful for ensuring that individual axles of a truck do not exceed the permissible weight restrictions. They offer a high level of accuracy, are easy to transport and enable quick measurements.
How does axle weighing work?
Axle weighing is a method of determining the weight that each axle of a vehicle transfers to the road. This method is particularly important for traffic enforcement, load control and to prevent road damage that may be caused by overloaded vehicles. Axle weighing is commonly used for trucks, buses and other large vehicles. The axle weighing process works as follows:
- Weighing platform: The vehicle drives over weighing platforms, which are either built into the ground or designed as mobile systems. Each axle of the vehicle is weighed individually. There are different types of scales, such as floor scales, weighing beams or mobile weighing systems.
- Measurement: When a vehicle axle crosses the weighing platform, the system measures the weight of that axle. The picture shows which buttons to press on the Gram PR indicator to start axle weighing.
- Data processing: The recorded weight data is transferred to a computer system. We provide EX-Link, a free Excel file designed to receive data from our industrial scales. The data can be analysed and recorded.
Benefits of mobile axle weighing in the transport industry
- Flexibility: Thanks to the portable design, vehicles can be weighed anytime, anywhere, without having to drive to the fixed weighbridge.
- Durability and robustness: Gram PR truck scales are made of robust aluminium and are suitable for daily use in a fleet.
- Connectivity: Integration with fleet management software enables smooth data processing and facilitates documentation for compliance with regulations.
- $post_id: 785
GRAM PR
Platform scales
Platform scales, such as our Gram Next Xtrem® Buffalo, Gram Next Xtrem® Bengal or TX Tiger, are ideal for weighing larger items of cargo and goods before they are loaded onto the vehicle. They are flat and stable, which makes it easy to place heavy loads. Floor scales are usually stationary and offer high capacities for a wide range of objects. They can also be installed below ground level or in a pit, which means that they can be built into the ground and make loading with forklifts even easier and more efficient.
Advantages of floor scales in the transport industry
- High capacity floor scales are able to weigh heavy loads and large freight items, making them ideal for use in distribution centres and warehouses
- Efficient loading and unloading: Thanks to their flat design, freight and pallets can be easily lifted onto the scale or placed with forklifts, speeding up the loading process.
- Easy to use: They are user-friendly and require little training, which simplifies the workflow in warehouses and terminals.
- $post_id: 19262
ACCUREX TXM Tiger
- $post_id: 18456
ACCUREX TX Tiger
- $post_id: 15070
ACCUREX RX Tiger
- $post_id: 14469
XTREM BUFFALO
- $post_id: 13400
XTREM BENGAL
Heavy-duty scales
Heavy-duty scales like the Gram Next Xtrem® Speed are designed for weighing complete vehicles. These stationary scales offer a very high capacity and are suitable for large trucks and trailers. They ensure precise weight determination of the entire vehicle and its load, which is particularly important for regulatory compliance.
Benefits of heavy-duty scales in the transport industry
- High capacity: Heavy-duty scales can weigh extremely high loads, often up to several hundred tonnes, making them ideal for use with heavy-duty trucks, trailers and construction equipment.
- Precision at large scales: Despite their large capacity, heavy-duty scales provide precise weight measurement, which is particularly important for ensuring compliance with legal regulations and avoiding overloading.
- Increased safety: Accurate weighing of vehicles and their loads helps to prevent overloading, which could lead to accidents, damage to vehicles or infrastructure.
- $post_id: 16344
XTREM SPEED M
Factors to consider when choosing truck scales
Accuracy
In the transport industry, accuracy is crucial to avoid overcharging and to comply with legal requirements. Inaccurate measurements can lead to penalties, increased operating costs and problems with load securing. Regular calibration, stable placement of the scale and correct handling are essential for precise results.
Capacity
The capacity of the scale must be sufficient to weigh heavy loads such as trucks or pallets. Overloading can damage the scale and lead to inaccurate measurements. The size of the platform, the strength of the load cell and integrated overload protection are crucial.
Long Service life
In the harsh environment of the transport industry, a scale must be durable and robust. Scales made of high-quality materials and with a stable design withstand daily wear and tear. Regular maintenance ensures that they remain reliable and operational.
Cost
The cost of a scale is an important consideration, but it should not be the only one. Inexpensive scales that compromise on accuracy, capacity or durability can result in financial losses in the long term. Factors that influence the price:
- Type of weighing system: Digital scales are often more expensive than analogue ones, but they offer more precision and more features.
- Additional features: Features such as data logging, connectivity and specialised software increase the cost.
- Brand reputation: Well-known brands cost more, but usually offer better quality and support.
Striking the right balance between price, accuracy, capacity and durability is crucial for long-term efficiency and legal compliance.
Conclusion: Safety, efficiency, and compliance all start with weighing
Challenges in the transport industry are complex—but overloading doesn’t have to be one of them. With the right industrial scale—whether mobile, stationary, or integrated into your processes—you lay the foundation for legally compliant, cost-effective, and sustainable transport.
Avoid fines, reduce operating costs, and protect your fleet through precise weighing.
Get professional advice now and find the right scale solution for your fleet. We’re here to help you make the best decision.
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