Underloading: just as dangerous as overloading

Underloading is often overlooked but it is important to recognize the detrimental effect it has on road infrastructure, road users and the environment

Words | Marcia Otter, Haenni Instruments, Switzerland

To protect infrastructure investment, avoid unfair competition and prevent road accidents, government authorities try to avoid or at least minimize the number of overloaded vehicles on their roads. This is usually achieved through weightenforcement measures. This type of weight control is now also becoming of interest to truck companies, not only to prevent overloading but to avoid underloading as well.

Underloading - or partial loading - also presents a problem for the industry, road users and the environment. Underloading means that additional truck journeys are required to transport the same amount of material, generating

Above: The Haenni WL 400 low-speed weigh-in-motion (WIM) system can be used anytime, anywhere

greater fuel and running costs. The additional trips also lead to more wear on the trucks. In short, it generates more cost, which decreases profitability for the company.

A partially loaded vehicle will not exceed the maximum total weight allowed but, in many cases, it will exceed the maximum axle load. This is, in fact, the main cause of early deterioration of the road network. Furthermore, the risk of poor load distribution is much higher with partially loaded vehicles. Over and underloaded axles change the driving dynamic, and therefore make it difficult to steer the vehicle. If a trailer has been loaded incorrectly, its rear axles could make the vehicle shake. In addition, underloading generates more traffic, which impacts the environment.

A simple solution

It is technically feasible to eliminate, or at least drastically reduce, this problem. And many companies are now becoming more aware of the importance of avoiding underloading and incorrect loading. Indeed, Haenni Instruments, a leading supplier of portable scales for the police worldwide, has noticed a shift in demand for its products.

“The application of our portable weighing systems has spread exponentially in recent years", says Daniel Kneubühl, managing director of Haenni. "Although we develop our solutions focused on the legal weight enforcement, we are now being approached by companies from different 20kgsectors, with different weighing needs.” The maximum weight of

The Haenni WL 400 any single component in low-speed weigh-in- Haenni WL 400 scales, motion (WIM) system is the most sought-after system by the private making them highly portable industry. Comprising two strip sensors that are 11mm high, four levelling mats and a processing unit, the equipment can be used anytime, anywhere. It is ideal for measuring the axle loads of vehicles with any axle configuration driving up to 20km/h (13mph). As no component weighs more than 20kg, it is easy for anyone to set up the system in a couple of minutes, while complying with the rules. Also, due to its low thickness, only minimal civil work is needed to use the system as a fixed installation. A standalone processing unit completes the system, offering the possibility to print out any relevant information a customer may need. Deductions, vehicle catalog and other customerspecific queries can also be defined in the set-up. The device can be adapted to local legislation and conditions. Haenni hopes that road users will continue to proactively contribute to protecting roads and increasing road safety. Not all truck drivers are aware of the risks that over and underloading may cause - and also do not know the best ways to avoid them – so education is still very important. Weight enforcement provides a means of contact between police officers and truck drivers. The consequent exchange of ideas, concerns and knowledge builds the way towards safer roads. ■

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