Weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems in Idaho have saved the trucking industry $3.475 million, the Idaho Transportation Department said.
WIM systems allow commercial trucks that meet weight and size limits to bypass weigh stations. Antennae above the highway and sensors embedded in the road read a truck’s transponders. The transponders contain information on the truck’s weight, size, and shipping credentials. The data is interpreted by computers in the weight station, and if the truck meets state requirements, it gets a green light and can continue driving.
In Idaho, there are four points of entry using WIM systems, and it is estimated between 50 percent and 60 percent of trucks will be able to bypass the stations.
Bypassing the stations saves truckers an average of five minutes and half a gallon of fuel. It also reduces congestion around weight stations and allows employees to more carefully inspect the trucks that do not meet state requirements.
Each bypass saves approximately $8.68. Last year, more than 16,000 gallons of fuel and 33,365 hours were saved.
“These projects are an outstanding example of how the department is meeting its mission to improve safety, mobility and economic opportunity for Idaho and the nation,” Reymundo Rodriguez, Idaho DMV compliance manager, said.
The first WIM system in Idaho was installed in 2000.