Scale Ticket
A scale ticket is a printed receipt from a certified commercial scale showing the date, time, truck identification, and recorded gross and axle weights. Scale tickets are used to document legal compliance with weight limits before entering a weigh station.
In Depth
Many experienced drivers stop at a commercial truck stop scale (often $10–$15) before entering a weigh station, especially on heavy loads or when weight distribution is uncertain. This allows them to identify any overweight axle issues and redistribute the load before an official inspection.
Scale tickets are also required as documentation for oversize/overweight permit compliance. Some state permits require the carrier to weigh the load at a certified scale and present the ticket as proof of compliance.
Certified CAT scales at Flying J, Pilot, and Love's truck stops are the most common commercial scales. The cost of a scale ticket is far less than an overweight fine, which can run $50–$500+ per pound over the legal limit depending on the state.
Usage Example
Example: 'Before hitting the scales on I-80, I stopped at the Pilot for a $12 CAT scale ticket. The front axle was 1,200 lbs over — I slid the tandems and reweighed clean.'
Related Terms
Weigh Station
A weigh station is a roadside facility operated by state departments of transportation where commercial vehicles are required to stop for weight and safety inspection. They verify that trucks comply with federal and state axle weight limits and safety regulations.
Axle Weight
Axle weight is the total load transmitted to the road through a single axle or tandem axle group. Federal law limits single axles to 20,000 lbs and tandem axles to 34,000 lbs, and states may impose stricter limits.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum safe operating weight of a single vehicle as specified by the manufacturer, including the vehicle itself and its maximum cargo load. For combination vehicles (truck + trailer), the combined GVWR is called the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR).
Oversize/Overweight Permit
An oversize or overweight (OS/OW) permit is a state-issued authorization that allows a vehicle to operate above standard size or weight limits. Permits are required when loads exceed 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet tall, 53 feet long, or 80,000 lbs gross.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a truck scale ticket cost?
CAT scale tickets at Pilot/Flying J/Love's cost approximately $12–$15 for the initial weigh, with free re-weigh within a short period.