Federal Government Weighing Procedures

Purpose:
Proper adherence to federal government weighing procedures ensures compliance with regulations, prevents fines, and maintains the integrity of long-distance government moves. Accurate weights protect both the agency and crews while supporting a seamless client experience.

Contents:

• Essential Paperwork:

  • Scale tickets (tare & gross weights)

  • Fuel receipts

  • Federal Government Contract number

  • Documentation of Government Inspector requests or approvals

• Completion Guidelines:

  1. Determine if scaling is required:

     • Shipments ≤7,000 lbs: Use Standard Weight List (SWL).

     • Shipments >7,000 lbs: Must scale within a 50-mile radius of origin.

  2. Prepare the vehicle for weighing:

     • Full fuel tanks, empty of personnel.

  3. Select a scale:

     • Must be “Government Approved” (check Atlas Weigh Scale Directory).

     • Scales requiring “Prior Approval” must be authorized by Atlas before use.

  4. Obtain weights:

     • Tare weight within 24 hours before load date.

     • Gross weight within 24 hours after load date.

     • Both weights must come from the same facility.

  5. Ensure ticket validity:

     • Electronically generated, stamped, or punched with shipper info, driver name, date/time, Scale Master name/signature, and contract number.

     • Handwritten, automated, or unmanned tickets require prior written authorization.

  6. Special scenarios:

     • No scale within 50 miles: request authorization for SWL or weigh at destination.

     • Friday loadings: scale must be available Saturday morning if loading may surpass scale closing time.

     • Trailers dropped at origin: must be weighed on site with prior authorization.

     • LTS shipments accessed by shipper: scale before delivery.

     • Government requests reweighs, or if net weight exceeds 110% of estimate, >20,000 lbs, or member’s allotted weight.

• Compliance & Protection:

  • Following these procedures ensures adherence to federal regulations and avoids fines starting at $1,500.

  • Complete and accurate documentation protects crews, supports government inspections, and validates shipment weights.

  • Proper weighing reduces the risk of claims or operational disputes.

Key Takeaway:
Accurate weighing and timely submission of scale tickets are critical to compliance and operational success. Following these procedures safeguards your team, ensures regulatory adherence, and reinforces a superior Client Experience for federal government moves.