On-Board Mass Systems (OBMSs) are an integral part of the transport industry. They tell you how much your truck weighs, allowing you to remain within the legal guidelines of truck weight. The golden standard is to be approved by Transport Certification Australia (TCA). These TCA type-approved OBMS’ are recognised by the official government regulator, so you know you can use them confidently and weigh with accuracy. So, why is it important to have a TCA type-approved OBMS? We’ll go through a few reasons in this post.
Accuracy
Accuracy is one of the main reasons why you must have a TCA type-approved weighing system. Truck scales need to be accurate; if they aren’t, you could be posing a risk to road safety with an overweight truck and, consequently, be facing hefty overloading fines. When you stick to a TCA type-approved OBMS, you’re guaranteeing that your truck weight is as accurate as possible.
There aren’t many other options
There are very few suppliers of TCA type-approved onboard mass systems. Even fewer when it comes to Category B OBM systems. Loadmass Australia, for example, is one of the few providers of OBM systems that can offer a solution. The Loadman Can-Coder system with Loadman LM300 meter uses load cell and air transducer sensor technology. It’s programmed to provide steer and drive weights of the prime mover along with the axle group weights for trailers plus the GCM. The accuracy of the Loadmass system in most applications is within 1%.
Loadmass is also aligned with 4 certified Application Service Providers, more than any OBM system supplier on the market at the moment.
Avoid weight offences and overloading fines
Another reason to choose a TCA type-approved OBMS is to avoid an overweight truck and the fines that go with it. Your truck being overweight doesn’t just put you in the hot seat: the HVNL’s chain of responsibility says that employers, operators, consignors, packers, loaders and loading managers could all be liable for an overweight truck. Mass overload offences can carry hefty fines. They differ between the categories of Minor Risk, Substantial Risk and Severe Risk. The higher the risk, the bigger the fine.
So, there are plenty of reasons why it’s important to have a TCA type-approved OBMS. Plus, it will save you money in the long run as you’re getting the most out of your truck without it being overweight. Loadmass Australia are your national OBM system experts. They provide quality weighing systems for highway vehicles, rigid trucks, bulk haulage and even mining vehicles. To learn more, contact the professionals at Loadmass Australia today.
