Bypass Weigh Station: Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth Ride

Bypassing a weigh station can be a huge time-saver for truckers and drivers, especially during peak travel seasons or in areas with high traffic congestion.

Weigh stations are typically located near highways and major roads, and they're designed to weigh vehicles to ensure they're not overloaded.

If you're not carrying a heavy load, you can often bypass the weigh station by using a designated bypass route.

In some states, drivers can also use a weigh station bypass permit, which allows them to avoid the weigh station altogether.

A weigh station program is a system that allows eligible carriers and vehicles to skip mobile inspection sites across the US and Canada. These programs were designed to reward carriers with good safety scores, while keeping inspection sites running more efficiently.

Eligible carriers and vehicles can use a weigh station bypass program to save time and fuel, which can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month, depending on the number of trucks in the fleet.

The most reliable means of communication between weigh stations and vehicles is through transponders, which are provided by companies like PrePass and Drivewyze. These transponders send signals to the weigh station, indicating whether the vehicle meets all requirements for weight, size, safety, and more.

If all requirements are met, drivers may receive a green signal to bypass the weigh station, but if not, they'll receive a red signal to pull in. Some programs, like PrePass and Drivewyze, also offer mobile device applications that allow drivers to bypass weigh stations using a tablet or telematics device.

Here are some key features of weigh station bypass programs:

The system has been in operation in California since 1994, with 36 weigh stations across the state deploying bypass technology.

Using a bypass weigh station can save you a half-gallon of fuel per bypass, thanks to the elimination of deceleration, idling, and accelerating back up to highway speeds.

The reduced likelihood of an inspection and its related costs is a significant benefit, especially if you're not stopped in front of people who might notice something to inspect.

On average, a weigh station stop takes between three and five minutes, which is a significant amount of time saved.

Staying with the normal flow of traffic helps the driver avoid slow-moving vehicles that may cause issues, making the road a safer place.

If your carrier signs up for a weigh station bypass solution and your vehicles qualify under the ISS (Inspection Selection System) score requirements, your drivers may drive right past the inspection site compliantly.

To try out weigh station bypass, consider a solution that offers a risk-free method, such as Switchboard Bypass, which provides a free 14-day trial and maximum coverage across North America.

The most important things to consider when picking a weigh station bypass solution are ease of use for the drivers and bypass coverage, so choose a solution that doesn't require the use of transponders.

PrePass and Drivewyze are two popular weigh station bypass solutions that allow drivers to bypass scales right from their smartphone, tablet, or telematics/ELD device, and provide a 'bypass' screen if all requirements are met.

If all requirements for weight, size, safety, etc. are not met, the driver will see a 'pull in unless closed' screen, which requires the vehicle to go through the weigh station.

Here are some key features to look for in a weigh station bypass solution:

A bypass service is a smart investment for fleets looking to reduce costs and generate ROI over time, and can also improve your safety standing with state and local law enforcement, as well as FMCSA.

Bypass programs have been used in the trucking industry for decades.

Bypass services like Drivewyze PreClear are evolving with software-based systems.

Drivers can't be tracked through bypass programs, as they only screen for data related to safety violations.

Bypass programs keep driver data private, including hours of service, medical records, and CDL information.

Vehicle data is only collected within range of the weigh station and is not shared with officers or organizations outside of it.

Bypass programs are not a way for law enforcement to access driver data or track drivers.

At a weigh station, your vehicle will be pulled over by a scale house attendant who will direct you to a weigh station lane. You'll then proceed to a scale where your vehicle will be weighed, and a safety inspection may be performed.

The Inspection Selection System (ISS) score requirements determine which vehicles qualify for a weigh station bypass program. If your vehicle meets these requirements, you may be able to skip mobile inspection sites across the US and Canada.

There are several types of services to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The type of service you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Some services are designed for specific industries, such as healthcare or finance. For example, you can choose a service that specializes in medical billing or accounting.

Others offer a more general approach, providing a range of services to meet various business needs. As mentioned earlier, this can be beneficial for small businesses or startups.

It's essential to research and compare different services before making a decision. Consider factors such as pricing, features, and customer support.

Ultimately, the right service for you will depend on your unique requirements and goals.

Weigh stations are a crucial part of commercial trucking, and understanding what happens during a visit is essential for fleet managers and safety directors.

Fleet professionals may be unfamiliar with the process, especially if they don't have experience driving commercial trucks.

Weigh stations are designed to ensure commercial vehicles comply with weight and size regulations.

A typical weigh station visit involves a scale check to measure the vehicle's weight, usually by driving onto a scale platform.

The driver will be asked to provide identification and documentation, such as a commercial driver's license and vehicle registration.

Some weigh stations may have additional requirements, like checking for hazardous materials or oversized loads.

The entire process usually takes a few minutes to an hour, depending on the station's efficiency and the complexity of the inspection.

You'll be electronically screened when approaching a weigh station bypass, with the ISS score and IFTA date reviewed to determine if you need to pull in for an inspection.

The driver will receive a green light if they can bypass and a red light if they have to pull in to the weigh station, which incurs a time, fuel, emissions, and cost penalty.

There's a significant savings to be had, with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimating an $8.68 savings per bypass.

Toll transponders communicate with automated tolling stations to eliminate the need for a physical transaction at the toll station, making the process even more efficient.

Bypassing weigh stations can save time and money for truckers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates a savings of $8.68 per bypass.

Trucks equipped with transponders or bypass apps can bypass weigh stations electronically. This is made possible by criteria such as the ISS score, which helps determine if a truck needs to be inspected.

A green light indicates that a truck can bypass a weigh station, while a red light means it needs to pull in. This can result in time, fuel, emissions, and cost penalties for the fleet or owner-operator.

Toll transponders communicate with automated tolling stations to eliminate the need for a physical transaction. This is a convenient feature that can be used in conjunction with weigh station bypasses.

Weigh station inspections are a necessary part of commercial fleet operations, but they come with significant costs, including higher fuel consumption and lost productive time.

Pulling in for inspections can be a major hassle for drivers, leading to increased stress and turnover rates.

A bypass service is a smart investment for fleets looking to reduce these costs and improve their safety standing with state and local law enforcement, as well as the FMCSA.

By investing in a bypass service, you can generate a return on investment over time and keep your fleet moving smoothly.

A software-based system can help keep your drivers happier and provide valuable insights to support your safety program.