Vehicle Overloading

The act of overloading a vehicle is illegal. Knowingly exceeding axle weights and gross vehicle weights can result in costly fines, prosecutions, and loss of operator and driver licenses, as well as potentially invalidating insurance. Overloaded vehciles which are dicovered as part of roadside checks may also required to reduce their load before being allowed to continue – costing additional time and resource. By weighing the vehicle using either a weighbridge or an axle weigher, operators can ensure that vehicles are optimally loaded and comply with relevant legislation.

Overloading vehicles significantly increases fuel consumption. Tyres are more prone to wear, steering becomes more difficult to control and vehicles take longer to react to braking. This can dramatically affect vehicle handling, increase daily wear and tear and increase the likelihood of a serious accident. In the event of a serious raod traffic accident caused by overloading, operators could be risk of further prosecution for corporate manslaughter. Overloaded goods vehicles also cause sdamage our roads, bridges and infrastructure. Weighing the vehicle on a weighbridge or axel weighing system, or even weighing goods as they are loaded, using a forklift scale or floor scale, can help to avoid these risks.  

The risks of overloading on gross vehicle weight are well-known, while the importance of axle weights is often overlooked. In some instances the gross vehicle weight is not exceeded, but the load may still exceed the maximum permissible axle weight. Uneven loading of a vehicle makes it far harder to handle, putting undue pressure on tyres, steering and braking. The only way to ensure that the vehicle’s maximum permissible weights are not exceeded is to weigh it – either using a weighbridge or an axle weigher.

Portable, static axle weighers provide a solution for spot checking, while dynamic fixed or portable solutions can weigh in motion, speeding up the process and providing a solution for those with larger and mixed fleets. They can also provide a more cost effective alternative for vehicle weighing than a complete weighbdieg management solution.  

The UK government advises that drivers and operators should not automatically trust declared weights, invoices or delivery notes given to them by customers/suppliers. As well as ensuring that they are paying the right amount for the goods received, it is also a stark reminder that operators hold the responsibility for overloading, not the customer.