The weight-based billing revolution

On-board weighing systems are increasingly becoming a mainstream choice for small and medium operators alike.

From eliminating payment disputes to monitoring profitability and increased compliance, weight-based billing (WBB) is revolutionising the way the industry measures its loads.

As the national distributor for Trimble LOADRITE E2750 weighing systems, Weighing Systems Australia has seen the technology’s benefits first-hand.

According to Alan Clarke, Owner of Weighing Systems Australia, those not transitioning to onboard weighing systems are now the exception rather than the rule.

“A lot of major contracts issued now have a requirement for a weighing system as part of their contract,” Alan says.

The benefits are increasingly becoming a no-brainer for many companies, as Alan says that up to 80 per cent of customers are choosing legal-for-trade systems. This includes waste generators and small and medium-sized enterprises.

“A lot of fleets are deciding which of their trucks need retrofitting or replacing and putting weighing systems on when they order a new truck,” he says.

Alan says that onboard weighing is important to ensure accurate weights are measured and customers are charged accordingly for overloaded bins and to do this the weighing system must be a National Measurement Institute (NMI) approved scale system, in addition to reducing fines and improving safety.

He says that weighing is not only essential for quantifiable profit margins, but ensuring compliance with Heavy Vehicle National Law Chain of Responsibility laws.

“WBB as it is called now also takes into account the ever-increasing cost of landfill charges and haulers must be able to identify what each clients bin actually weighs.”

Alan says that the legal for trade system allows for Class IV NMI approved systems to be installed into both front and rear lift waste collection vehicles.

Monitoring profitability is particularly important for major retailers, Alan says, as they can ascertain what they waste internally by measuring the waste removed from sites.

Payment disputes can also be prevented by being able to check, certify and stamp legal for trade records that have been calibrated to accurate weights.

Alans says a variety of configurations are available, including front and rear lift certified and non-certified systems. He says that all new refuse collection trucks now have on-board computers that collect time, weight and date and allocate these to the specific customer selected in the routing system ready to be downloaded to the office.

Solid state positioning sensors over traditional rotary triggers are also emerging as a mainstream choice for customers. Alan says the E2750 Canbus sensors include arm and fork sensors. Alan says these are easier to install, with the ability run one cable instead of multiple cables, making installation easier and less prone to cable breaks and damage when compared to older sensors.

He says the systems are also notably fully dynamic and don’t slow drivers down.

“Fully dynamic weighing systems have an advantage over static systems where the driver has to stop to weigh up and down. This costs them time and slows down their operations,” he says.

Alan says that the systems can be easily fitted to all makes and models. When it comes to after-sales support, Weighing Systems Australia offers annual calibration services and has distributors across the country in a nationwide dealer network.

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