Funny Scale Story

[CoastalDefender]

Got loaded in Indianapolis on a run to KC. Decent run, 1k light on tractor and trailer tandems at the CAT scales at the Petro on I-70 just west of Indy.

Crossed into Illinois and their I-70 scales were open. No big deal, I'm good to go.

Start crossing the scales and get a "bring papers in" light (I think it was a light, this was a few years ago, could have said it over the loudspeakers). Got all my stuff together and went inside.

DOT asked me "Do you know why we pulled you in here?". I replied with "Random inspection?"

He went to explain that I was over 8k heavy on my trailer tandems.
The weights were like 8,25,42.

I said, "Uhh... Okay? I think I would have felt that as I drove here, if it was that heavy."

I showed him my CAT Scale ticket, and he looked at it.

His reply was, "Well, here's your problem- This was weighed in Indiana".

So I said to him, "Are you telling me the laws of physics are different in Illinois?" (I admit, I am a smartass)

He looked at the ticket again, this time VERY pissed at me, and at the scale pad readings.

So he had me pull around and go across the scales again.

I came inside and the readings were WAY off again.

He apologized for wasting my time, and we both had a chuckle, he closed the scales down and then he told me the kicker- He had written about 8 tickets that day for being overweight. He had only been open 45min. Now he had to cancel all those out and get the State Weights and Measures crew to come out and fix the scale.

[yoopr]

Good Deal-CAT Scales save the day AGAIN

[YoungZ.W.]

Rookie question- When you go across the CAT scales at a truck stop is there a charge for it?

[Mr. Ford95]

So I said to him, "Are you telling me the laws of physics are different in Illinois?" (I admit, I am a smartass)

HAHA, I would be pissed too if someone tossed that back at me. His ears had to be burning red.

Young, yes there is a fee, not much though. Something like $8 for first weigh, then $1 or $2 for every re-weigh you have to do to get your load adjusted to be legal.

One way to piss'em off is to hammer the brakes hard when they tell you to stop. It usually results in throwing the scale out of wack. See it all the time in quarries. New driver will come in and not read the sign that says to enter the scale(s) in granny gear and stop gently. Roll up on there at 20 mph and come to a skidding stop and the scalemaster rips them a new one because they just shut the quarry down, that is unless they have a 2nd scale in place. Dad did the same thing on a portable, rolled up on it and hit the brakes hard enough to make the truck lurch. DOT reading the scales wasn't happy but the one who told him when to stop was laughing his rear off.

[yoopr]

Rookie question- When you go across the CAT scales at a truck stop is there a charge for it?

Normally around $7

One way to piss'em off is to hammer the brakes hard when they tell you to stop. It usually results in throwing the scale out of wack

a very good way to be staying at that scale a very long time

[silvan]

Good Deal-CAT Scales save the day AGAIN

Man that's what I was thinking too. You gotta LOVE those CAT scales!!

[Mr. Ford95]

Yep yoop, I'm not endorsing someone to do it, just saying that if you do, it will really get them stirred up. They are liable to then go over your entire unit and logs with a fine-toothed comb until they do finally come up with something they can cite you for when they would have given you a quick glance and let ya go.

[yoopr]

Yep yoop, I'm not endorsing someone to do it, just saying that if you do, it will really get them stirred up.

Ya Think? :P

[bouncer]

is that out of pocket or company paid?

[Fredog]

is that out of pocket or company paid?

MOST companies reimburse it.

[bouncer]

Might have to pimp slap someone if I have to pay for it.

[geeshock]

Yep yoop, I'm not endorsing someone to do it, just saying that if you do, it will really get them stirred up. They are liable to then go over your entire unit and logs with a fine-toothed comb until they do finally come up with something they can cite you for when they would have given you a quick glance and let ya go.

that and an out of service. You may be fine but they will say you look way to tired to drive