The recent launch of the first purpose-built abnormal load weighbridge at the Port of Richards Bay has ushered in a new era of efficiency in the weighing and measuring of abnormal load combinations for permit application verification. The objective is to drastically reduce the standing time for abnormal loads departing the port under exemption permit regulations. In the past (and presently the case for all but Richards Bay), transporters contracted independent consultants with portable weigh mats when weighing of their combinations was required. “This process requires advance notice and is costly to transporters given the time to mobilise equipment and personnel – typically from afar. As a result, it has only been logistically possible to weigh “superloads” (greater than 125 tons gross combination mass) lest the weighing exercise caused congestion of abnormal loads at the point of origin – typically the ports,” MGI Weighbridges managing director Philip Warren told FTW. In the Port of Richards Bay the abnormal vehicle (A/V) weighing process has been re-invented through the installation of a permanently sited, purpose-designed, abnormal load weighbridge. This facility has streamlined the weighing process, drastically reducing the time required to produce a weighbridge ticket/certificate, according to Warren. Furthermore exemption permits printed on behalf of the Department of Transport (KZN) as ‘e-permits’ can now be done at the weighbridge. “This further reduces standing time for transporters who may depart as soon as they are in possession of their e-permits,” said Warren. In terms of charges, there’s a sliding fee scale based on weight, starting from R675 per weighing and rising to R24 000 for ‘superloads’ up to 400 tons, with scaleeconomies available for multiple/ identical weighing exercises. “The weighbridge ticket/ certificate is both valid for the application of A/V exemption permits as well as consignee/consignor legislation compliance.” In Warren’s view, the facility is a ‘win-win’ for all stakeholders – not only the transporters. “In Africa we still have vast sections of road and bridge infrastructure that were constructed to standards that can be more than 50 years old. It is therefore imperative that we safeguard this infrastructure for everyone’s economic benefit. The weighbridges will play a vital part not only in helping streamline the weighing and permitting process, but equally in assisting authorities to maintain and promote the safe and correct travel of abnormal loads over road and bridge infrastructure.”
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The objective is to drastically reduce the standing time for abnormal loads departing the port under exemption permit regulations. – Philip Warren
