The logistics and transportation sector requires goods to be moved safely, quickly, cost-efficiently, and in compliance with regulations. Weighing systems used in this field secure operations such as
storage, transportation, loading, and unloading. Accurate weighing is important not only for billing but also for legal compliance and operational efficiency.
Weighing technologies in logistics include a wide range of solutions such as
truck scales, axle scales, forklift scales, pallet weighing systems, dynamic weighing, and conveyor scales. These systems optimize transport capacity, prevent incorrect loading, enhance fleet safety, and reduce logistics costs.
The Importance of Weighing Systems in Logistics
Transport operations are governed by international legislation. In Türkiye, the Highway Regulations, in the EU EUMOS standards, and various international ISO loading norms make safe transportation mandatory. For this reason, transported goods must be weighed accurately to ensure compliance with legal limits.
When permitted load limits are exceeded:
- Vehicle and cargo safety are jeopardized
- Loading-related accidents may increase
- Braking distance increases, causing instability
- Fines and legal sanctions may apply
- Road and bridge infrastructure may be damaged
Therefore, weighing systems are critical for logistics firms, storage facilities, and manufacturers.
Truck Scale Systems
The most widely used weighing system in logistics is the
truck scale. Trucks, trailers, tankers, mixers, and platform-type carriers are weighed using truck scales. These are commonly used in:
- Storage facilities
- Factory entry/exit gates
- Ports
- Logistics hubs
- Mining and cement plants
Load cells in truck scales must perform accurate measurement under heavy loads, and be resistant to outdoor conditions such as rain, mud, snow, and humidity. Truck scales can use either concrete or steel structures and are designed for heavy-duty operation.
Axle Scale Systems
Axle scales measure the weight on each axle of a vehicle. They are preferred when quick weighing is needed or where there is insufficient infrastructure for a full weighbridge. Axle scales are especially used for
loading control and legal compliance.
Advantages of axle scales:
- Fast weighing
- Low-cost solutions
- Portable models for field use
- Ability to monitor load balance between axles
- Minimal infrastructure requirements
Proper axle load control is essential for road safety. Overloaded axles increase the risk of brake failure and road deformation.
Forklift Scale Systems
Forklifts are one of the most commonly used vehicles in warehouses and logistics centers. Integrated weighing systems allow forklifts to perform dynamic weighing during product transport and loading.
Benefits of forklift scales:
- Instant weighing of palletized products
- Prevention of shipping errors
- Automated warehouse entry/exit tracking
- Avoidance of overload risks
- Easier stock management
These systems reduce product losses in warehouses and increase loading efficiency.
Dynamic Weighing and Conveyor Scale Systems
Logistics does not only cover vehicle transportation. In post-production logistics and packaging lines,
conveyor belt scales and
dynamic weighing systems (checkweighers) are widely used. These systems verify the weight of products leaving the production facility.
Conveyor and dynamic weighing systems are used for:
- Verifying product package weight
- Sorting under- or overweight products
- Measuring flow rate on conveyors
- Calculating loss and yield
These solutions are widely applied in the food, chemical, e-commerce, automotive parts, and packaging sectors.
Pallet and Platform Weighing Systems
Platform scales are used for weighing palletized goods. They are preferred in factories and warehouses because they provide fast and precise weighing. Platform scales are essential for:
- Warehouse stock control
- Inventory optimization
- Pallet handling and shipment
- Freight preparation and billing
Technical Features of Logistics Weighing Systems
Weighing systems used in logistics must be durable, fast, and accurate. Load cells and equipment must have the following characteristics:
- High-capacity design
- Impact and vibration resistance
- IP67/IP68 protection class
- Fast data processing capability
- High-precision measurement with minimal error
- Resistance to outdoor environmental conditions
Weighing indicators must be compatible with ERP, WMS, and automation software. Modern indicators support network connectivity, data transfer, user authorization, and reporting, strengthening the digital logistics infrastructure.
Automation and Digital Integration
With digital transformation, weighing systems in logistics are no longer just measuring devices; they have become
data-driven and traceable assets. Integration with ERP, warehouse management systems (WMS), fleet management, and e-invoice systems offers major advantages.
With digital integration:
- Billing is fast and error-free
- Stock data updates automatically
- Inbound/outbound logistics records are maintained
- Operational efficiency improves
- Logistics errors are minimized
Weighing systems in the logistics and transportation industry are indispensable for safe transport, compliance, billing accuracy, and operational efficiency. Truck scales, axle scales, forklift scales, platform scales, and dynamic weighing systems deliver speed and safety throughout storage and transportation processes.
Well-designed weighing solutions not only increase loading efficiency but also reduce costs, prevent errors, and enable more efficient use of resources. Therefore, weighing systems are a fundamental component of a sustainable and competitive logistics infrastructure.
