We know that truck scale costs are increasing and they’re making drivers nervous for that unexpected surprise. Nothing can be more frustrating than being over the weight limit by just mere fractions and having to pay for it anyway. So Freightliner thought they’d try something new. Does it work? We’ll know for sure a little later.
PORTLAND, OREGON…Freightliner Trucks announced today the availability of the Air-Weigh® in-dash on-board truck and trailer scale system as a factory option for all truck models with air suspensions. The Air-Weigh Self-Weighing Truck Scale™ can improve productivity and reduce operating costs and delays caused by check-weighing at truck stop scales.
Freightliner Trucks is the first OEM to offer Air-Weigh on-board scales as a factory option for its product line. The scales can help decrease operating costs by eliminating overweight fines and scale fees associated with overweight loads.
“The Air-Weigh scale system takes the guesswork out of loading, which helps our customers maximize their time on the road while minimizing fines and fees,” said Mark Lampert, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Freightliner Trucks. “Freightliner Trucks is pleased to be the first to make self-weighing trucks available to its customers.”
The Air-Weigh system consists of an in-cab truck scale and a remote trailer scale. The in-cab unit acts as the system master controller. It displays steer, drive and lift axle weights, up to seven trailer suspension weights if equipped, GVW and net payload weight.
The Air-Weigh on-board scale is a true scale system that is calibrated to each vehicle’s suspension and weight, which is measured by an installed air pressure sensor in the suspension air line. Once the system is calibrated, the Air-Weigh scale displays the weight of the axle group to within 300 lbs. of a DOT certified scale.
When a self-weighing tractor picks up a trailer that is equipped with the Air-Weigh trailer scale, the trailer weight data is automatically transmitted to the truck scale in-cab display gauge and is included in the GVW and net payload weights.
The easy-to-install Air-Weigh gauges are available in chrome or black bezel and fit into standard two-inch, in-dash gauge holes.
The Air-Weigh AW5800 series scale system is available on any Freightliner Trucks medium- or heavy-duty truck models with rear or combination front and rear air suspensions. Direct sensing of the front axle is also available on vehicles with the Freightliner AirLiner® front suspension. On those tractors without front air suspension, the Air-Weigh truck scale automatically calculates the transfer of weight on and off the steer axle.
“Freightliner is committed to offering options and features that contribute to efficient and productive operations,” said Lampert. “By offering customers the option to spec the Air-Weigh scale system in our vehicles, we are helping them achieve a more successful business operation.”