Civil Logistics Ltd is using a cost-effective Loadsense weighing solution for safe transportation of general waste in the Taranaki region
For those who think onboard weighing systems are a good way to ensure a vehicle is legally loaded (which of course they are), you need to catch up with what has been developing in the world of weighing solutions.
One business that is at the forefront of this specialised technology is Loadsense, a provider that has more than 50 years of experience in the industry and supplies product solutions to suit loaders, excavators, on and off-road trucks, trailers, forklifts, tractors, conveyors, and weighbridges.
A key point mentioned above is that Loadsense provides systems to suit bespoke applications customers require, so while they can easily supply something like a set of scales and on-board hardware to print off a weight docket, some companies require a bit more detail, less paperwork and minimal human intervention. This is where Loadsense can really excel for a business.
Loadsense solution
One company that has taken on-board weighing solutions to heart is Taranaki-based Civil Logistics Ltd. Contracted to move general waste to landfills, the company has fitted its waste transportation fleet with a Loadsense solution that allows both the truck driver and materials handler operator to connect via a smartphone app and have a live view of the current weight on board.
“With both the driver and operator connected, the truck can be safely and efficiently loaded,” says company director Simon Mulligan.
“Through the app, the truck driver can then stand in a safe area or remain in the vehicle, and along with the loader operator, view the weight as it is being positioned, so it stays within legal axle group loadings. Using an app is a lot better than traditional scales, which have their displays in a toolbox or in the cab, and it also provides ease of use and functionality.”
Going along with what Simon mentions, by using an app to view how the truck is being loaded, the driver is away from any potential harm.
“Loads can vary in weight. For example, something heavy like unusable bakery dough compared to household rubbish allows an opportunity to make use of the volume, with heavy material on the bottom and lighter product on top,” says Simon. “It makes the whole load safer for transportation and takes the guesswork out of it. When you’re getting paid by the tonne, it’s got to be right.”
Once loaded the truck and trailer will exit via the facility weighbridge, safe in the knowledge that a near-maximum load is being carried and each axle group is within its legal parameters.
“Knowing the weight is correct before the truck arrives at the weighbridge also prevents the need for any off-loading, which can waste a lot of time,” says Simon.
Loadsense app
The Loadsense smartphone app is more than a measure of how much weight is being loaded onto a vehicle. Among other things, it can also upload data directly to home base, or a user can screenshot a particular load and it will convert it to a PDF for reporting purposes.
Kiosk system for quarries
“Our VEI Kiosk system can be connected to a third-party accounting or customer reporting management system and it will automatically produce an invoice if that is what a business requires,” says Rob Schultz of Loadsense.
“In a quarry-type of situation the system can be setup to allow customers to order their products directly through a portal, which sends the data directly to the loader operator.
There is no human interaction with the order data itself and once the vehicle is loaded, the information is automatically sent to the cloud reporting portal, right through to emailing an invoice to the client, if that is how it has been setup.
“How we configure a customer is entirely up to them,” says Rob. “We will sit down with a new customer and look at their needs before coming up with a package that suits their needs and budget.”
For more information, contact Rob Schultz on 021 725 636 or visit loadsense.co.nz
Images by Brook Harland and supplied