When commercial vehicle drivers are instructed to pull into a weigh station, what should they expect? These photos take you inside a Georgia weigh station. Learn how weight inspectors and officers work together to make trucking safer.
Inside Look at Weigh Station Enforcement [Photos]
Cadet Jonathan Chapman, accompanied by Ellen Thomas, measures a truck and trailer at the weigh station in Columbia County, Georgia.
Photo: Wayne Parham
Officers check both truck and trailer during Level II and Level I inspections.
Photo: Wayne Parham
Some officers use a digital gauge to check the depth of tread on a tire.
Photo: Wayne Parham
Sgt. James Gerald looks under the hood at the condition of steering linkages.
Photo: Wayne Parham
Inside the inspection shed, officers can use a performance-based brake tester to check on a truck’s braking ability.
Photo: Wayne Parham
Wheel nuts are checked as part of an inspection.
Photo: Wayne Parham
In Georgia, commercial vehicle enforcement is handled through a team of weight inspectors and officers all operating under the Department of Public Safety, Motor Carrier Compliance Division.
Photo: Wayne Parham
Ellen Thomas, a senior weight inspector, directs a driver to move forward as she weighs each axle in a Georgia weigh station.
Photo: Wayne Parham
Ellen Thomas, senior weight inspector, returns paperwork to the driver of a truck flagged for being overweight.
Photo: Wayne Parham
Motor Carrier Compliance Officer 3 Michael Coke watches the monitor and keeps an eye on the ramp from the interstate while selecting trucks for safety inspection.
Photo: Wayne Parham
As each truck that has pulled into the weigh station approaches, MCO3 Michael Coke selects ones that may need a safety inspection.
Photo: Wayne Parham
Tires also are checked to make sure they are in proper working condition.
Photo: Wayne Parham
At many Georgia weigh stations, Level I inspections are performed inside an inspection shed with a pit.
Photo: Wayne Parham