The new year is, so you should already be planning for your upcoming truck scale needs. This guide will help you understand the general price range you can expect and important factors to consider when selecting a truck scale for your business.

The Important Role of Truck Scales

Truck scales are not just pieces of equipment; they are versatile tools for those in construction, transportation, logistics, agriculture, or other industries that require frequent use of commercial vehicles. They can be invaluable for determining load weight, tracking inventory, and ensuring regulatory compliance with transportation weight limits.

How Much Does a Truck Scale Cost?

Truck scale prices can vary greatly. You could be looking at a few thousand per scale for portable axle scales to over $100,000 for more complex technologies and installations. The factors impacting truck scale costs include:

  • Capacity: Higher capacity scales require more durable materials and construction, which increases costs.
  • Size and Design: Larger scales and those requiring pit installation are typically more expensive than smaller or above-ground scales.
  • Material and Durability: Scales made with durable materials like heavy-duty steel are more expensive but offer a longer lifespan and better reliability.
  • Technology and Features: Advanced features like digital readouts, connectivity options (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), and integrated data management and analysis software can add to the cost. Unattended kiosks with automated ticketing systems are also more expensive.
  • Manufacturer and Brand: Prices can vary between manufacturers based on brand reputation and warranties offered.
  • Condition: A new scale will cost more than a used or refurbished scale.

Truck Scale Installation Cost

In addition to the cost of the truck scale itself, you also need to consider installation expenses. Some factors that can impact installation costs include:

  • Site Preparation: This is often the most variable cost, including excavation, leveling, and compacting the soil.
  • Concrete Foundation: Most permanent truck scales require a concrete foundation, which can involve high material and labor costs.
  • Scale Assembly and Installation: There may be costs associated with setting up the weighbridge, load cells, and connecting the electronic components.
  • Electrical and Data Connections: Setting up the power supply and data connections for digital displays, printers, and computer systems can add more to your total cost, depending on the complexity. This is an area most commonly overlooked.
  • Additional Features: Costs may increase if additional features like traffic lights, guardrails, or automated ticketing systems are installed.

Choosing the Right Truck Scale for Your Budget

What you want to accomplish will likely determine what truck scale you need..

Truck Scale Type

The type of truck scale you get heavily influences your final cost, from the price of the scale to the installation expenses.

Axle scales are designed to weigh one axle at a time and can be permanent or portable. They are a good basic solution for monitoring axle weights but aren’t the best choice for regularly weighing entire trucks.

Portable truck scales are designed for temporary or mobile applications and are typically surface-mounted. Portable scales are ideal for industries like construction, where equipment is frequently relocated, or for folks who need to weigh trucks at different project sites.

Full-length truck scales are large scales designed to weigh entire vehicles and their contents in one go and will be more expensive than portable scales. They can be either surface-mounted or pit-mounted, depending on space and usage requirements. These scales are great for ensuring compliance with vehicle weight regulations and helping with inventory management.

Pit-type scales are installed in a pit so the platform is flush with the ground. These typically cost more due to the construction and installation requirements. They’re a good choice for locations with limited space where a surface-mounted scale would obstruct traffic flow.

Weighbridge scales feature a bridge-like concrete platform that vehicles drive onto to be weighed. They can be quite large and can handle hefty loads. Weighbridge scales are commonly used in industrial and commercial settings where goods are received or shipped in large volumes.

Owning or Renting

Renting a truck scale is often more affordable than purchasing one — as long as you don’t need it for long-term use. If you have a short-term project or only need to weigh vehicles intermittently, renting a truck for the period(s) you need rather than investing in a purchase could make more economic sense. However, owning a scale is probably worth the higher up-front cost if you frequently need to weigh vehicles.

Used or New

Truck scales are available in both new and used conditions. Used scales tend to be more cost-effective, making them a good choice if you’re on a tight budget. However, used scales might not have the latest tech or features, and they may have shorter lifespans. If the latest tech is important for your operation, consider shopping for a new truck scale instead.

Find a Truck Scale That Meets Your Operational and Budget Needs

Make a smart investment this new year with a truck scale that satisfies your needs. Whether you’re considering portable or fixed, new or used, UniFide CST has the right scale at the right price. Start planning with us for a successful year ahead. Get in touch today.