Optimizing log truck payload through improved weight control
Abstract
Trucking of forest products is a very important segment of the harvesting process and it is monitored
relatively closely by external sources. Load weight is the focal point of the attention received
by log hauling. The optimization of load weights is therefore very important to a logging operation's
success and this can be achieved only through adequate gross vehicle weight control.
Methods of load weight control are reviewed and possible applications discussed in this report.
Studies were conducted to evaluate the adequacy of load weight control achieved utilizing two quite
different methods. A reporting technique which provided loader operators with information about
trends in the delivery weights of trucks which they loaded was used to heighten their awareness of
problem areas in load weight distributions. This study was conducted at two southern paper mills
with substantially different truck weight regulation environments. Two separate case studies were
conducted on Virginia loggers utilizing on-board electronic truck scales.
Results of the loading study indicated that the passive treatment had affected the behavior of some
of the producers studied. The behavioral changes observed generally improved the economic optimization
of load delivery weights. The on-board scale studies indicated that the scale systems did
perform well in the applications observed. However, the economic benefits associated with use of
the scales were negligible for the two producers studied due to a reduction in delivery weights after
installation of the scales.
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- Masters Theses [17908]