The installation of a new weighbridge at the Port of Durban will bring much-needed relief to the abnormal sector.According to Philip Warren, managing director of MGI Weighbridges, the new weighbridge will not only streamline the weighing of abnormally large loads, but also the permitting system.“We operate under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the KwaZulu-Natal department of transport freight directorate, as well as Transnet in the port. Thanks to our system being integrated with the Electronic National Traffic Information System (eNatis) and the freight directorate, we can print permits at the weighbridge,” said Warren.He told Freight News this not only saved costs for transporters, but also time. “Instead of the transporter having to drive to Pietermaritzburg to get a permit for the abnormal load, it can now be received at the same time as they are doing the weighing, saving time and cost.”Warren said the new weighbridge, which will be fully operational by the first week in August, would also bring about improved efficiency and compliance for the abnormal sector.“The weighbridge is situated outside D-Shed and installed in the road for easy access. Once weighed and the permit is printed, the load can move without any f ur ther delays.”Warren said the process was quick and efficient and designed not to hold transporters up. “In the past, it has not always been easy to weigh abnormal loads thanks to cumbersome processes, or not everyone having access to a weighbridge. Our weighbridges have been designed to minimise the time required to weigh an abnormal load – reduced from hours to barely minutes – thereby reducing standing time for abnormal load transporters in the ports.”He said weighing in the heavy-load sector was extremely important. “We have had some incidents where transporters are not compliant and running loads that are too heavy. Weight compliance means you are on the right combination and safe to move on the national roads.”Considering the size of these cargo combinations, safety is a critical factor and shortcuts often result in catastrophe.“There are plenty of reputable transporters out there but there are also several transporters who are making changes, using the inappropriate abnormal load combinations, and it is just dangerous. We have seen some very heavy loads out there not using the right equipment, meaning the braking and steering is out which can have serious consequences if something goes wrong – not to mention the impact this overloading has on the road infrastructure.”He said the new weighbridge would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and was fitted with the newest technology, including cameras.The company already operates a weighbridge at the Port of Richards Bay which has proven to be effective in improving efficiency for the abnormal sector.“Our weighing methodology is fully automated and tamper-proof, requiring minimal human intervention. It is fast, accurate and cost-effective abnormal load weighing,” said Warren.
