The Smart Choice for Leading Carriers
“Does it make sense to use bypasses and avoid driving trucks onto weight stations?” For the top 25 carriers (according to CCJ magazine) in the industry, the answer is a resounding YES! They all use services that allow them to bypass inspection points, saving valuable time and money. It’s no coincidence that the industry leaders rely on this technology. They leverage their excellent safety records so that their drivers can keep moving and maximize their productivity.
Boosting Efficiency and Driver Satisfaction
Drivers whose companies have the best performance can bypass scales in up to 90% of cases. In practice, this means that trucks can cover more miles, and drivers can earn more. It has been calculated that the cost of such a service pays for itself when a truck bypasses a scale just twice a month. And it’s worth noting that with more intensive operation, transport companies obtain from 2 to 25 weight bypass permissions per month per truck. It’s a win-win situation for both the company and its employees.
How the Technology Works
The process is simple and based on modern technology. As a vehicle approaches a fixed or mobile inspection point, special software, such as that from Drivewyze, transmits data. The system immediately notifies the driver of the approaching point while simultaneously analyzing key criteria established by state agencies – including safety scores and compliance of documents with registration and tax payments. If the carrier and vehicle meet all the conditions, the driver receives a signal to continue driving – this is the so-called “bypass.” In case of any irregularities or if a random algorithm indicates the need for inspection, the driver is directed for inspection. The bypass rate ranges from 50% to 90%, but most importantly, it increases with the improvement of the fleet’s safety performance. Today, unlike outdated transponders, this technology operates on cellular networks and the Internet, requiring no additional hardware installation. It already covers 48 US states and 4 Canadian provinces.
The High Cost of Weigh Station Stops
Every entry to a weigh station is an unnecessary waste of time and money. An old study from 2007 conducted by the FMCSA estimated the cost of each such stop at $8.68, including time, fuel, and operating costs. Today, this amount is significantly higher. A standard check means a delay of at least 5 minutes, and a full inspection can take from half an hour to even an hour. In an industry where every minute counts and deliveries are often “just-in-time” (JIT), such a stop can mean a missed opportunity to reach the destination on schedule. Leading carriers are well aware of this. By bypassing weigh stations, drivers not only save time but also feel more valued, which translates into their job satisfaction. Companies often use this as motivation, asking drivers for greater diligence in their daily duties and reporting any defects. Clean inspections lead to better safety results, and these, in turn, mean an even higher bypass rate – it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Benefits for Fleets of All Sizes
There is a misconception that this service is intended only for large transport companies with perfect safety records. This is simply not true. Bypassing weigh stations can help even smaller carriers who have had some mishaps but are trying to improve their safety statistics. In their case, every incident is more visible, affecting everything from insurance to the freight orders they receive. Bypassing can be a tool to achieve better results. Thanks to this service, even fleets with poorer performance can prove that their trucks are ready for inspection, leading to cleaner inspections and faster improvement in the overall safety score.
Try Before You Buy: Evaluating the Savings
Providers of this service, such as Drivewyze or PrePass, offer free trials with in-depth analysis showing what savings can be achieved. You can also find out which trucks should use bypasses and which should not, which eliminates waste. As studies show, annual savings per truck range from $300 to $1000.
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