Heavy vehicle transporters should consider constructing their own weighbridges and make use of an axle weighing system to avoid penalties and cut down on operating costs by optimising operational efficiency.
That’s the view of Wimpie Nortje, senior account manager at SABSapproved weighbridge supplier, Cardinal Weighbridge Company South Africa (CWCSA), who told FTW that there was a major shortage of weighbridges on South African roads.
“Compliance around weighing is crucial. If trucks are overloaded, they get pulled over and transporters are either given a hefty fine or see their truck sent back to the origin of the journey to offload some stock, thus significantly delaying their delivery time,” he explained.
Furthermore, overloaded vehicles cause damage to roads which leads to higher maintenance and repair costs.
“This places an additional burden on the state as well as road users who will ultimately bear the brunt of a fuel levy and vehicle licence fee increase,” said Nortje.
Furthermore, there are also safety issues to consider. Brakes have to work harder meaning it will overheat and the vehicle will not be able to stop and will be less stable, difficult to steer and will take longer to stop.
“An overloaded vehicle could cause tyres to overheat and wear quickly, increasing the chances of the tyre blowing out. In addition, a vehicle cannot accelerate as normal, making it difficult to overtake,” Nortje highlighted.
He said that axle weighbridges were designed to provide fast and accurate axle and gross weight information for all vehicle types – from light vans to the heaviest multiaxle vehicles.
“Axle weighbridges help ensure that vehicles are properly loaded to their rated capacity and avoid the many problems associated with overloading, from increased fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear to road damage and an adverse effect on vehicle handling,” he said.
According to Nortje, with an increase in the number of overloaded vehicles being stopped and checked, axle weighing ensures that transporters stay within the law while maximising fleet efficiency and safety.
“CWCSA stays up to date with all the relevant regulations to ensure compliance for customers,” he said, pointing out that CWCSA had the capacity to design and build any type or size of weighbridge within three to four days.
CAPTION
An illustration of an axle weighing system.
