Measuring truck payloads by weight or volume?

on board truck scales

Does it really matter which method you use? We think it does.

Common weighing systems such as on board truck scales are not the complete measurement solution.

  • Don’t account for bulk density changes, nor enable density changes to be accurately tracked.
  • Usually require frequent (and costly) maintenance and calibration.
  • Large trucks must stop and settle on static weighbridges to register accurate weight. As a result, 1 to 2 loads per shift per truck could be lost = higher cost per tonne hauled.
  • Dynamic weighing systems are susceptible to heavy trucks moving the scale’s foundations, causing inaccurate measurements (scale motion can reduce accuracy by 3-5% or worse).
  • On board truck scales (which are sensitive to calibration issues) require a system on every truck, dramatically increasing costs.

Measuring truck payloads by weight or volume?

on board truck scales
on board truck scales

Does it really matter which method you use? We think it does.

Common weighing systems such as on board truck scales are not the complete measurement solution.

  • Don’t account for bulk density changes, nor enable density changes to be accurately tracked.
  • Usually require frequent (and costly) maintenance and calibration.
  • Large trucks must stop and settle on static weighbridges to register accurate weight. As a result, 1 to 2 loads per shift per truck could be lost = higher cost per tonne hauled.
  • Dynamic weighing systems are susceptible to heavy trucks moving the scale’s foundations, causing inaccurate measurements (scale motion can reduce accuracy by 3-5% or worse).
  • On board truck scales (which are sensitive to calibration issues) require a system on every truck, dramatically increasing costs.

Limitations and shortcomings of weight measurement

  • Density of material can vary depending on which part of the rockface the ore is extracted from, and how the bucket is loaded.
  • Conversion factors typically computed under carefully controlled conditions — don’t necessarily reflect accurate actual weight-to-volume ratios of materials.
  • Moisture can influence the composition of load materials, and consequently its weight.

Volume scanning substantially enhances the accuracy of payload measurement…

  • Volume scanning is complementary to measuring weight with scales. By combining weight AND volume, measuring material bulk densities and payloads is more accurate.
  • Converting from volume back to weight using bulk density factors has proven more accurate than using onboard or dynamic weighing systems.
  • Measure ACTUAL load volumes in a truck or trailer bin, eliminating guesswork.