Effective recognised loading control methods

An AMMS Approved Weighbridge will provide you with individual axle group weights, which can be included in your trip records

weighing must take place on firm, level ground and suspension torque must be managed to ensure the weights determined are correct each time. The technology for portable scales can vary greatly. For sensor pads with an integrated analogue or digital gauge, it will require the driver to have a documented process to record the axle group weights each time the vehicle is weighed. More advanced systems include where the sensor pads link to an electronic control unit and can print a basic weigh docket showing the mass for each axle, registration of the prime mover and the date and time. This docket could then simply be signed off by the driver and included in their trip records.

Regardless of the type of portable scales you use, you must ensure they are maintained and calibrated according to the manufacturer’s requirements. You must have written procedures to outline the ongoing maintenance process, and current calibration documentation for the portable scales.

Control Method #3 Specific Position Loading: The loading control method does not need to include physically weighing the vehicle each time it is loaded. It could simply be loading a particular product in a specific position on a trailer. There is still the requirement to ensure the gross mass and mass distribution across axle groups are within allowable limits and this could be determined by conducting a number of initial test weighs.

To achieve this, you could load the product onto the trailer, noting the positioning of the load, and then physically weigh the vehicle (including all axle groups) using a certified weighbridge or portable scales. Once you have proven that loading the product in the same way each time distributes the mass correctly, it must be included in your loading plan to ensure loading is undertaken in the same manner each time.

Control Method #4 On Board Mass Management: On board mass management systems provide a good indication to the driver that they are complying with allowable mass limits, and it provides flexibility as it can be used for multiple transport tasks from almost any location. The two types of on board mass management systems include chassis mounted and suspension mounted, with related technology continually improving. Whatever the on board mass management system used, you must be able to record the axle weights to meet record keeping requirements and include this process in your loading plan.

For on board mass management systems that have the capability to simply display the axle weight information but not record it, you will need to have a documented process to ensure the driver records this information for each load. This could be in the form of a simple spreadsheet / trip sheet or schematic of the particular vehicle combination to record axle group weights, which is signed and dated by the driver or date / time stamped photographs of the readouts. Any of these can then simply be included in the trip records.

Control Method #5 Volumetric Loading: Where a vehicle is specifically designed and built to carry a certain volume of a particular product, or the volume of a particular product can be accurately measured with a calibrated device, volumetric loading is considered an appropriate loading control method.

There is still the requirement to ensure the gross mass and mass distribution across axle groups are within allowable limits and this could be determined by conducting a number of initial test weighs. Once you have proven loading the product the same way each time distributes the mass correctly, the method must be included in your loading plan to ensure loading is undertaken in the same manner each time.

As part of your records, you need to have documented evidence that the vehicle has been loaded in accordance with the proven loading plan. This could form part of your daily trip sheet. You must also have documentary evidence to demonstrate the volumetric loading devices are appropriately calibrated in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, unless the vehicle is being loaded by a supplier who has provided a trade receipt from the loading device. Your loading plan must be verified at least every three months.

Full details of the recognised loading controls are available by visiting www. mainroads.wa.gov.au and searching Loading Controls or by contacting the HVS Helpdesk on 138 486.