Blue Ink Tech Blog

Weigh-in-motion (WIM) scales are embedded scales that can weigh vehicles while they are in motion on interstate roadways. This type of scale works by using sensors in the road and imaging technology to tell what kind of vehicle is currently on the scale and how much each axle weighs. These systems can tell if a trucks load is properly balanced or heavy on an axle group which can affect handling. Some of the more sophisticated systems can tell which tires are low on pressure as well. The accuracy of weigh in motion systems are continuing to improve and can provide weights with 3% error or less.

According to the ELD requirements, electronic logging devices are supposed to log certain events as malfunctions or data diagnostic events if the device can't acquire all required data items. Some ELD providers will indicate these items as a "malfunction" or "data diagnostic" with little information about the cause. This can confuse and worry users into thinking their ELD is broken and leaving them exposed for DOT violations for not having a working ELD.

The agricultural exemption is a special consideration that allows carriers of agricultural commodities to be exempt from keeping Hours of service and using Electronic logging devices (ELDs). There are certain conditions that qualify a driver or carrier for using this special exemption.

The Hazardous Materials Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) is one of seven categories that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses to determine how a motor carrier ranks relative to other carriers with a similar number of safety events (i.e., inspections, violations, or crashes). This is used to determine a carrier's CSA score.

The Controlled Substance and Alcohol Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC) is one of seven categories that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses to determine how a motor carrier ranks relative to other carriers with a similar number of safety events (i.e., inspections, violations, or crashes). This is used to determine a carrier's CSA score.