We seem to have a fascination with speculating on the weight of trucks, which is surprising considering the actual weight of trucks is readily available.
Data for each truck and trailer is easy to determine by using the ubiquitous CAT Scales at many truck stops. Roadside weigh stations (those that are still staffed) weigh trucks for compliance and the number shows up for the driver.
Weigh-in-motion equipment imbedded in the pavement all over the U.S. is constantly capturing data. The latest equipment can sense the specific truck that is going over the sensor, how many axles it has (whether on the ground or lifted) and the individual axle and combined gross vehicle weight. Even load boards have a significant amount of estimated data if actual data is not of interest.
Yet amid this abundance of rich data, misinformation on vehicle weights persists. The tare weight of the truck is something rarely published by manufacturers, although it is likely a very big factor discussed during behind-the-door negotiations with fleets.
Fleets certainly know — or should know — the weights of their own trucks if for no other reason than billing and compliance reasons. Regulators should know the weight of the trucks driving on the roads to enforce regulations. Researchers, including the Federal Reserve Board, banks, investment firms, universities, technical centers, civil engineers, etc., all should reasonably expect to be working from actual weight data.
