How Truck Scales Work: Types, Sizes and Prices
Updated November 2, 2026
The short answer: a truck scale is a long steel or concrete deck sitting on load cells. When a truck drives on, the cells measure the force, a junction box combines their signals, and an indicator shows the gross weight; subtract the empty (tare) weight and you get the net load. The main choices are a full-length scale that weighs the whole vehicle at once, an axle scale that weighs one axle at a time, and portable weigh pads. Choose by how many trucks you weigh, whether you charge by weight (legal-for-trade), and whether the scale must move.
How truck scales work
Every electronic truck scale has the same four parts:
- The deck (weighbridge): steel or concrete-filled steel modules the truck drives onto.
- Load cells under the deck, usually in pairs along its length. They turn force into a small electrical signal.
- A junction box that sums the cells and lets a technician balance them so the scale reads the same wherever the axles sit.
- An indicator in the scale house that shows the weight, stores truck tares, and prints tickets or sends data to software.
A typical transaction: the truck drives on loaded, the operator records the gross weight, the truck unloads and comes back empty (or uses a stored tare), and the indicator prints a ticket with gross, tare and net. Many sites add a remote display so the driver can see the weight from the cab, and weighbridge software to manage tickets and customers.
Types of truck scales
Full-length truck scales
The whole truck sits on the deck at once, which is the most accurate way to weigh a vehicle and the standard for legal-for-trade weighing. Decks for tractor-trailers are long (commonly 70 to 80 ft); shorter decks suit straight trucks and farm vehicles. They're installed above ground with ramps or in a pit, on an engineered concrete foundation.
Steel deck vs concrete deck
Steel decks are lighter, faster to install and easier to relocate. Concrete decks (steel modules filled with concrete) are heavier and quieter under traffic, and many sites prefer them for heavy, constant use. Both rest on load cells the same way.
Axle scales and portable truck scales
An axle scale weighs one axle or axle group at a time, and the indicator adds the axles together. It costs far less than a full-length scale and can be moved, but adding axles is less precise than weighing the whole truck on one deck. Axle scales are popular for checking axle loads before a truck leaves the yard. Our truck scale vs portable axle scale comparison goes deeper.
Weigh pads
Weigh pads are thin, portable platforms set under each wheel or axle. They're used for vehicles, aircraft, containers and roadside checks, and many systems are wireless and battery-powered.
How to choose a truck scale
- What do you weigh, and how often? A few trucks a week can work with axle scales or pads. Constant traffic and trade weighing call for a full-length scale.
- Do you charge by weight? If yes, you need a legal-for-trade scale (see below). For internal checks, a non-legal-for-trade scale can be a lower-cost option.
- Length and capacity. Size the deck to your longest vehicle and the capacity to your heaviest gross weight and axle loads. Never exceed the scale's rated capacity.
- Site. Check the space for approach lanes, drainage, power and a scale house, and whether you can build a foundation or need a portable system.
- Data. Decide whether you need printed tickets, a remote display, or software that ties weights to customers and invoices. See our weighbridge software guide.
Truck and axle scale models and prices
Prices are from SellEton product pages at the time of writing (November 2026) and vary with size and options; check the product page for the current price. Freight and installation are separate.
| Model | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 16" x 24" portable weigh pads with indicator and printer | Weigh pads, 50,000 lb system | $3,219 to $7,704 |
| SL-928-W wireless weigh pad system | Portable wireless axle weighing | $3,449 to $9,774 |
| SL-60KX portable axle scale | 7 ft weighbridges; SL-7561 indicator totals axles and prints tickets | $5,749 to $10,348 |
| SL-80KX 12 ft truck axle scale | Heavy-duty axle scale | $8,049 to $15,869 |
| SL-AUTO-AXL autonomous axle scale | Operator-free axle weighing | $12,999 to $34,999 |
| SL-934 10' x 10' truck scale, 60,000 lb | Short-deck scale for internal weighing; not legal for trade | $11,999 |
| SL-934 30' x 10' truck scale, 150,000 lb | Internal weighing; not legal for trade | $22,999 |
| Force-Master super duty truck scale | Full-length truck scale, 60,000 to 270,000 lb | $22,999 to $86,756 |
Browse all options in truck and vehicle scales, axle scales and weigh pads and Rice Lake portable vehicle scales.
Legal-for-trade truck scales
If a truck scale weight sets a price, an invoice or a freight charge, the scale must be legal for trade. In the U.S. that generally means a model with an NTEP certificate of conformance, installed to the rules in NIST Handbook 44, and inspected and sealed under your state's weights and measures program. Many states also require a registered service company to place the scale in service and test it with certified test weights. Before buying, ask us for the NTEP certificate number of the exact model and size, and check your state's requirements. Our truck scale certification guide and NTEP and legal-for-trade guide explain the process.
Installation, foundations and maintenance
Full-length scales need a foundation designed for the scale and your soil, with good drainage so water doesn't sit around the load cells. Pit scales need a dry, well-drained pit and safe access for cleaning. Plan conduit for the load cell home-run cable and lightning protection for the electronics. Installation should be done by a qualified scale company, with foundation work engineered for the site.
After installation, keep the deck and the gaps around it clear of mud, snow and debris, which can bind the deck and cause wrong weights. Watch for drifting zero or corner differences, and have the scale tested on the schedule your state requires. If a reading looks wrong, our load cell wiring and trimming guide covers the usual causes in the load cell system.
Truck scale FAQs
How accurate is a truck scale?
A properly installed legal-for-trade truck scale is tested to the tolerances in NIST Handbook 44 using certified test weights. Accuracy in daily use depends on installation, maintenance and keeping the deck clear.
How long should a truck scale be?
Long enough for your longest vehicle to sit fully on the deck. Tractor-trailer sites commonly use 70 to 80 ft scales; shorter decks suit straight trucks and farm vehicles.
Can I use an axle scale for legal-for-trade?
Some axle scales and weigh pads are approved for specific legal-for-trade uses, but rules vary. Check the model's NTEP certificate and your state's requirements before relying on axle weights for billing.
Pit or above-ground truck scale?
Above-ground scales are easier to clean, inspect and drain, and are the more common choice. Pit scales save space on approaches and suit sites where ramps don't fit, but need careful drainage and access.
Do I need software for a truck scale?
Not to weigh, but most busy sites use weighbridge software to store tares, manage customers and print or email tickets.
Get a truck scale quote
Send us your vehicle types, longest vehicle, heaviest gross weight, how many trucks a day, and whether you charge by weight, and we'll recommend a system. Call SellEton Scales at (844) 735-5386 or send us a message. For portable options, see our portable axle scale guide.