In the race to show off the quickest volumetric load scans, some suppliers have turned speed into a marketing stunt. Slick videos of trucks at speed under scanners, time-lapse clips that look impressive on a homepage, and bold claims about lightning-fast processing all feed the same message: "it's faster, so it must be better." 

But that sales pitch collapses the moment you look past the hype. 

In volumetric scanning, speed doesn't just compete with accuracy – it can erode it. If trucks are pushed through too quickly, small measurement errors begin to mount up and, although one or two might not raise alarms, production figures can become highly distorted over hundreds of loads. That inaccurate data can skew invoicing and business reporting, which then opens the door to disputes and questions about compliance levels. 

It's more accurate for trucks to move through the scan area at a steady, controlled pace. This may be slightly slower than typical site speed limit, but that's because accuracy can't be left to chance. 

Every scan needs its data points to relate back to the empty reference of the baseline scan, and every measurement must stand up under forensic scrutiny. This is about gathering the scan data accurately so there's truth in the numbers, not about being fast and flashy for a web page or social media post. 

A fast scan feels efficient in theory but, in practice, it can be an expensive illusion. 

A quick scan that produces questionable data doesn't save time; it creates rework, write-offs, and lost productivity, as well as disagreements with customers, which risks business relationships that have often taken considerable time to establish. 

Construction sites, quarries, pits and large compost producers don't need high-speed theatrics. They need information they can trust with certainty, especially when hundreds of loads can roll through in a single shift. 

One inaccurate truck might not matter, but hundreds of them absolutely do. 

Loadscan’s equipment range is engineered for accuracy, but built to perform in the harshest conditions – dust, rain, demanding temperature extremes, uneven lighting and more. But that performance is built on a cornerstone of precision and, when trucks slow slightly as they roll through, the scanner has the ideal window to deliver rock-solid, repeatable accuracy. 

That’s how Loadscan maintains its certified +/-1% performance, and that’s why operators worldwide rely on it day in, day out. 

True efficiency isn't found in shaving three seconds off a scan. It's found in eliminating mistakes, avoiding disputes and knowing the data is right from the moment it's captured, because "fast but wrong" is just wasted time dressed up as progress. 

Loadscan stays focused on what actually drives productivity: consistent, verifiable, accurate scans every load, every shift, every day. 

More from this series

1. Faster Isn’t Always Better | Volume 1, The Intelligence Series
2. The myth of “more is better” | Volume 2, The Intelligence Series
3. Why reference scans still matter. | Volume 3, The Intelligence Series
4. LiDAR: Still setting the standard in load volume measurement. | Volume 4, The intelligence Series
5. Heavy-duty vs lightweight: Why Loadscan is built to last. | Volume 5, The Intelligence Series
6. When “fast” becomes a liability. | Volume 6, The Intelligence Series

In mining, quarrying, and civil construction, the real test for equipment isn’t judged in brochures. It’s judged in the real world – a environment where rain is coming in sideways, when dust is thick enough to choke an engine, and when trucks never stop rolling. Out in the real world, gear either holds up, or it doesn’t. And that’s where Loadscan’s heavy-duty design earns its place.

Some companies in the load volume scanning market have been pushing “lightweight” scanheads, as if shaving kilos off a unit is some kind of positive breakthrough and a valid reason to choose their product. Ironically, claims of scanheads tipping the scales at around 10kg actually carry very little weight.

Loadscan’s Load Volume Scanner (LVS) models weigh around 26kg, while the market-leading Mine Payload Scanner (MPS) is closer to 35kg. On paper, that might seem bulky but, in practice, it’s that build quality using quality components that makes the difference between something that lasts and something that gets knocked out of action when conditions turn ugly, and less robust gear starts to fail.

Cutting weight means cutting material. Cutting material means giving up strength, stability, and protection. And, once you do that, every bump, every gust of wind or wild eddy of dust becomes a risk. 

Loadscan customers don’t have to worry about their scanners once they are installed, operating and producing data. That’s why Loadscan systems are known for minimal downtime and low maintenance while continuing to seamlessly deliver accurate volume information.

A Loadscan LVS or MPS comes with everything needed to set it up and get to work. These are all designed specifically for purpose, are made from heavy-duty materials, and provide the backbone for our scanheads.

This includes the pole, the outrigger for the scanhead, and the mounting system for fixing the pole in place on site. They are all designed to do one job – ensure a strong and secure mounting platform for the scanhead.

Some of our competitors don’t offer a mounting system as part of their package, leaving it up to the customer to source or manufacture their own. This often results in a lightweight, under-strength system that’s not fit for purpose. That’s only ever going to deliver inaccurate data if the scanhead is moving around in the wind, or constantly needing recalibration due to the vibrations caused by heavy equipment.

A lighter frame might be easier to handle at first. But once it starts drifting out of alignment, or needs a reset every few months, the “convenience” disappears fast. And repeated downtime is far more expensive than a product-specific, well- engineered installation system.

Loadscan volume scanners have been running in frozen Canadian mines, in the dust bowls of Australia, on rain-soaked construction sites in the USA, and right through a range of conditions in Latin America – and they’ve just kept working. Not for a season, not for a trial period, but for years…and years… and years. That’s a track record Loadscan is proud to stand behind.

Lightweight newcomers might show off positive lab tests or early advancements, but there’s a big gap between working in principle and working for decades in extremely demanding conditions. That gap is where Loadscan’s heavy-duty approach pays off.

Volumetric scanning is unforgiving. Any flex or vibration throws accuracy out the window, and that’s why robustness matters. A heavier scanhead housing and mounting system doesn’t wobble, doesn’t creep, and doesn’t need constant babysitting. Lightweight units, by contrast, are more prone to drift. And once operators lose confidence in the data, the scanner has already failed its main job.

Sure, lightweight units are easier to ship and bolt up. But what’s the trade-off? Repairs. Replacements. Downtime. Each one eats into productivity and adds to unnecessary cost. Over the long haul, it’s the heavy-duty kit that pays back – creating a lower total cost of ownership compared to lighter, less durable equipment.

There’s a reason we don’t chase fads like “lighter is better.” Out in the field, you need gear that won’t quit. That’s why Loadscan builds scanners with heft. Because weight isn’t the problem. Fragility is.

More from this series

1. Faster Isn’t Always Better | Volume 1, The Intelligence Series
2. The myth of “more is better” | Volume 2, The Intelligence Series
3. Why reference scans still matter. | Volume 3, The Intelligence Series
4. LiDAR: Still setting the standard in load volume measurement. | Volume 4, The intelligence Series
5. Heavy-duty vs lightweight: Why Loadscan is built to last. | Volume 5, The Intelligence Series

The LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology used in Loadscan’s technology is the industry standard in mining for volumetric measurement, due to its high precision and resilience in harsh environments.

High precision and accuracy

The system utilizes LiDAR to scan a loaded truck tray and mathematically compare it against a stored reference scan of the same vehicle when empty. This calculates the exact payload volume with a certified accuracy of ±1%. This level of accuracy is legally validated by official Weights and Measurement Trade Certifications in both New Zealand and Australia

Non-contact and low maintenance

Because Loadscan’s Mine Payload Scanner is a completely non-contact system, it experiences absolutely zero physical friction, wear, or impact from the trucks. It has virtually no moving parts, completely eliminating the need for scheduled servicing, routine recalibrations, or replacement parts. This makes the technology exceptionally durable, cost-effective to run, and highly reliable.

In-motion measurement

Relying on static weighbridges introduces a massive bottleneck to mine site productivity. Heavy haul trucks must come to a complete stop, wait for the scale to settle, and manually collect paper dockets – a process that wastes up to 30 seconds per cycle and can cost a mine 1 to 2 lost loads per shift per truck. LiDAR technology allows for seamless, drive-through scanning. Trucks simply drive under the elevated scanner without needing to stop. The entire scan and data collection process takes just 30 to 60 seconds from start to finish.

Environmental resilience

Mining operations take place in some of the most unforgiving climates on Earth, requiring equipment that can survive intense weather extremes. Loadscan systems are engineered to thrive in these conditions

The idea of AI algorithms paired with low-cost cameras sounds enticing but, with more 20 years of proven performance in quarries, mines, and civil operations worldwide, Loadscan’s dual 2D LiDAR technology continues to set the global standard for volumetric load measurement.

LiDAR captures a vast number of precise distance points, using laser pulses to generate highly accurate measurement data that doesn’t rely on assumptions or inference. This is why Loadscan volume scanning systems achieve certified volumetric accuracy, independently verified across multiple industries.

Stereo 3D cameras generate images which then need heavy post-processing with software used to “refine” the images and estimate depth. This reduces transparency by adding further layers of interpretation which make results harder to independently validate.

Built tough with accuracy you can trust

Dust, rain, mud, and vastly fluctuating temperatures aren’t the “exception” – they’re daily realities in mining and quarrying. Obscured lenses, glare, and shifting image quality can affect highly-susceptible vision-based systems, but LiDAR is rarely affected by these conditions, and keeps delivering reliable measurements.

Loadscan’s dual 2D LiDAR configuration ensures that every load is measured with an accuracy camera-based systems struggle to achieve, providing clean, consistent data straight from the scan head.

Independent verification

Loadscan’s volume scanning systems have internationally recognised certification for accuracy, which means independent proof of material movement – often worth millions of dollars – is achieved time-after-time, project-after-project, unlike camera-based systems that simply haven’t demonstrated this level of verifiable performance

Long-term reliability

LiDAR laser units are precision instruments built for durability, and Loadscan systems have been running in harsh environments for decades, delivering consistent ROI with minimal maintenance. That’s why operators continue to choose Loadscan’s proven LiDAR system over experimental alternatives.

“AI-enhanced accuracy”:

By employing post-processing, it’s possible to polish the data, but stereo systems can’t outdo the accuracy of direct measurement. Inference and estimation are not substitutes for verified, accurate data delivered by the Loadscan range of volumetric scanners.

“Multi-stream flexibility”:

More data does not necessarily mean increased accuracy. In fact, more streams add more complexity and more potential failure points. By using LiDAR, Loadscan delivers the focused approach and reliability that operators need.

“Future-proof”:

While the promise of systems ‘learning’ to improve over time is an interesting one, but it’s still unproven technology. LiDAR, however, isn’t a future bet – it’s had decades of validation and remains the benchmark by which other volume scanners are measured.

“Cost-effective”:

It can be an expensive exercise buying a cheaper volume scanner because lower upfront cost doesn’t ensure long-term value. It can be a very costly mistake if you’re getting unreliable or disputed data from your system.

For more than two decades, Loadscan has led the way in volumetric load measurement with LiDAR technology that’s been independently verified, globally deployed, and field-proven in the harshest operating environments. Other companies may focus on what’s trending, but Loadscan continues to deliver what operators actually need: reliable, repeatable, and accurate measurement they can stand behind.

In high-stakes industries, “close enough” isn’t good enough. That’s why Loadscan’s LiDAR scanners remain the trusted benchmark for load volume measurement worldwide.

More from this series

1. Faster Isn’t Always Better | Volume 1, The Intelligence Series
2. The myth of “more is better” | Volume 2, The Intelligence Series
3. Why reference scans still matter. | Volume 3, The Intelligence Series
4. LiDAR: Still setting the standard in load volume measurement. | Volume 4, The intelligence Series
5. Heavy-duty vs lightweight: Why Loadscan is built to last | Volume 5, The Intelligence Series
6. When “fast” becomes a liability | Volume 6, The Intelligence Series

AI alone isn’t enough

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in volume load scanning is advancing rapidly, offering smart automation and faster insights across quarrying, mining, and civil construction.

However, no matter how impressive the algorithms become, one principle remains unchanged: accurate measurements always require a verified baseline. A scanner without a trusted reference is like a ruler without markings – it may be impressive technology, but it’s fundamentally incomplete.

Some volume measurement equipment manufacturers promote the idea that their AI-based systems can “learn” truck shapes well enough to reduce or even eliminate reference scans. While it sounds efficient, the reality is far more complex, and not nearly as accurate. Without an anchored baseline, any AI system is vulnerable to gradual drift. What appears precise today can slowly shift off target, turning reliable data into increasingly expensive guesswork.

Why AI without calibration isn’t enough

Artificial intelligence is exceptional at recognising patterns, identifying shapes, and modelling volumetric data. But it cannot maintain accuracy without routine verification, and it can’t be used in a one-size-fits-all fashion to generate accurate.

Over hundreds or thousands of loads, even small deviations become significant, accumulating into considerable amounts of lost product or misreported material. By the time discrepancies surface in invoicing, reconciliation, or stock audit processes, the financial impact has already been locked in.

Loadscan eliminates this risk by using proven, consistent and verified scans that don’t rely on assumptions to build their reference. The Loadscan system uses proven technology to continuously re-anchor itself to real-world conditions, ensuring ongoing volumetric accuracy and dependable reporting.

Reference scans: The Anchor point for real accuracy

A reference scan functions like the legend on a map – it defines how everything else should be interpreted. As truck bodies change over time through wear, modifications, or accumulated material, only a current reference profile can confirm what is truck and what is payload. Without this baseline, AI cannot reliably distinguish between steel, mud, or load material, opening the door to costly measurement errors.

The hidden costs of reducing reference scans

Some AI-driven systems market the idea of fewer reference scans, promising less downtime and simpler calibration. But the trade-off is increased drift risk. In industries where every cubic metre directly affects contracts, compliance, and profit margins, inaccurate volume reporting is far more expensive than a brief calibration task.

Accuracy isn’t optional

The real question is simple: do you want an approximation, or a measurement you can stand behind? AI in volume load scanning becomes truly powerful only when paired with disciplined calibration and verified reference profiles. Loadscan makes accuracy non-negotiable – because in sectors where material volume drives revenue, certainty isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

More from this series

1. Faster Isn’t Always Better | Volume 1, The Intelligence Series
2. The myth of “more is better” | Volume 2, The Intelligence Series
3. Why reference scans still matter | Volume 3, The Intelligence Series
4. LiDAR: Still setting the standard in load volume measurement | Volume 4, The Intelligence Series
5. Heavy-duty vs lightweight: Why Loadscan is built to last | Volume 5, The Intelligence Series
6. When “fast” becomes a liability | Volume 6, The Intelligence Series

ESG isn’t a marketing exercise – it’s a license to operate.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance has become a defining measure of responsible business and no longer sits in annual reports as a corporate ideal. ESG shapes investment decisions, regulatory expectations, and a company’s license to operate.

For mining, quarrying, and civil construction, ESG carries even greater weight. These industries sit at the crossroads of environmental impact, community expectations, and regulatory oversight. They shape landscapes, influence local economies, and operate in environments where safety, transparency, and resource protection are constantly under scrutiny. In these sectors, ESG isn’t a marketing exercise – it’s a license to operate.

And this is exactly where Loadscan plays a transformative role and becomes so valuable.

Where operational performance has a measurable impact on ESG.

While many ESG tools help companies report their performance, Loadscan’s volumetric load scanners help them improve it by converting raw operational activity into accurate, real‑time, auditable data. Loadscan gives operators the evidence they need to reduce emissions, minimise waste, optimise haul efficiency, and demonstrate responsible resource management. It turns ESG from a paperwork exercise into measurable operational performance.

In industry sectors where ESG is increasingly measurement‑driven, Loadscan provides the transparency and confidence companies need to meet rising expectations. This allows operators to run cleaner, smarter, and more accountable sites, proving that operational efficiency and ESG integrity are not competing priorities, but complementary strengths.

Environmental: Turning measurement into meaningful impact

In mining, quarrying, and civil construction, the Environmental pillar of ESG demands strong, accurate data to meet daily operational responsibilities.
Using volumetric scanning technology, Loadscan delivers precise, verifiable measurement of every load that moves across a site with an accuracy of +/- 1%. That information can have a direct impact on fuel burn and Scope 1 emissions by optimising payloads and cutting unnecessary truck cycles. Volume scanning also assists in preventing over extraction, reducing rehandling, and protecting natural resources by giving operators a real time view of material movements.
Loadscan’s data can be fed straight into emissions calculations, sustainability reporting, and environmental audits. This gives companies the proof that is increasingly expected by regulators and communities, turning environmental responsibility into something measurable and manageable. This enables operators not just to reduce impact, but to prove it.

Social: Building fairness, safety, and trust

The Social pillar of ESG has become a defining measure of integrity in heavy industry. Mining, quarrying, and civil construction operate under intense scrutiny, with a focus not only how they manage resources, but also how they treat people – the workers on site, contractors who keep projects moving, and communities living alongside industrial activity.

Loadscan strengthens this pillar by bringing clarity, consistency, and integrity to material measurement with transparent, tamper proof volumetric data that ensures contractors are paid for the exact volume they deliver. No estimates. No disagreements. Just fairness and trust that supports long term working relationships.

Safety improves as well. Predictable payloads and optimised haul efficiencies reduce truck movements, lowering the number of vehicle interactions on site and reducing the risk of accidents.

Communities benefit with fewer truck cycles, which means less traffic, reduced noise, and a smaller overall impact. And because Loadscan provides transparent, auditable reporting, regulators and community stakeholders can see real numbers rather than estimates, reinforcing trust and demonstrating responsible behaviour.

Governance: Elevating accuracy, compliance, and accountability

Strong governance is the backbone of credible ESG performance, and determines whether a company is responsibly led, managed transparently, and held accountable for decisions that shape environmental and social impact.

Loadscan helps to strengthen this foundation by delivering certified, traceable, tamper proof volumetric measurements, giving operators confidence that their reporting is precise and transparent.

Digital records generated by Loadscan are secure, consistent, and audit ready through Loadscan’s cloud-based MyScanner platform. If required, Loadscan’s LoadVision add-on can provide high-definition video and images to support the data.

This reduces the risk of fraud, misreporting, or manipulation, and gives auditors and regulators the confidence they demand.

By embedding accuracy and clarity into daily operations, Loadscan becomes a genuine risk reduction technology – strengthening compliance, improving reporting credibility, and ensuring governance is not just a policy, but a measurable operational reality.

Competitive ESG comparison: Volumetric scanning vs weighing systems.

Environmental

• Loadscan: Optimises payloads with precise volume data → fewer trips, lower emissions
• Weighbridges: Weight ≠ volume → inconsistent payloads → more trips, more fuel burn

Social

• Loadscan: Transparent, dispute‑free contractor payments
• Weighbridges: Frequent disputes due to moisture, density, and load variation

Governance

• Loadscan: Certified accuracy, tamper‑proof digital records
• Weighbridges: Vulnerable to calibration drift, manipulation, and manual error.

Operational efficiency

• Loadscan: Fast, drive‑through scanning with real‑time insights
• Weighbridges: Slower throughput, bottlenecks, and higher maintenance

The ESG winner

Volumetric scanning delivers superior environmental performance, stronger governance, and fairer social outcomes, making it the modern standard for responsible material measurement.

Tracking material volumes across multiple sites is a constant challenge for civil and earthmoving operations. Disputes over load size, inconsistent ticketing systems, and unclear measurement methods often strain relationships between contractors, suppliers, and clients.
For The Kearney Companies, volumetric scanning has transformed this dynamic, providing transparency that customers now actively request.

Eliminating Disputes with Accurate Load Data

Before volumetric scanning, disagreements over delivered volumes were common. Now, the volume scanner removes the guesswork, creating a single source of truth for every load.

“There’s no dispute with suppliers because it’s exactly what they are getting paid for—averaging about 16.5yd³ per truck,” says Alan Payne.

Daily reporting has become central to operations. Even if suppliers lack their own scanner, The Kearney Companies provide a detailed breakdown of each load hauled the previous day.

“If a load wasn’t scanned, we calculate the daily average for billing purposes,” Payne explains.

Building Trust Through Transparent Reporting

Cross-referencing scanner data with traditional ticketing ensures accuracy and alignment. Suppliers increasingly adopt the scanner’s figures as the basis for invoices. In some cases, scanners are installed at supplier or customer sites to support full end-to-end transparency.

“Some clients now ask us to pay for material based on our load scanner data,” says Payne.

By providing daily reports of hauled yards and total cubic yards moved, The Kearney Companies have built a reputation for accuracy, fairness, and reliability.

The Bottom Line: Volumetric Scanning as a Business Asset

In environments where trust is currency, volumetric scanning has become one of the company’s most valuable tools. Accurate, real-time load reporting improves client relationships, reduces disputes, and ensures operational transparency.

With volumetric scanning, contractors and suppliers can finally work from a shared source of truth, enhancing efficiency and fostering stronger partnerships across the civil and earthmoving industries.