How Often Should You Calibrate Your Truck Scale?

Avoid Fines. Ensure Accuracy. Stay Compliant.

Your truck scale is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s a critical tool for ensuring accuracy, safety, and profitability. Whether you're managing a logistics fleet, agricultural operation, or industrial facility in Wisconsin, regular truck scale calibration is essential for DOT compliance, fair trade, and cost control.

At Capitol Scale, we often get asked:“How often should I calibrate my truck scale?”Let’s break it down.

✅ Why Truck Scale Calibration Matters

Truck scale calibration ensures your scale is providing accurate, consistent readings within legally accepted tolerances. Over time, environmental factors, debris buildup, wear-and-tear, and electrical drift can all affect performance.

Failing to calibrate regularly can lead to:

• DOT fines or shutdowns

• Inaccurate billing or inventory loss

• Customer disputes

• Structural overloading risks

• Loss of “legal-for-trade” status

📅 Recommended Calibration Frequency

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but here are common guidelines based on use:

🚛 Heavy Use / High-Volume Facilities:

• Monthly to Quarterly

• Ideal for truck stops, waste transfer stations, and industrial operations with frequent weighing.

🌾 Seasonal Industries (e.g. Agriculture):

• Before and after harvest season

• Ensure scales are ready when weight matters most—and verify accuracy afterward.

🏭 Moderate Use / General Industrial:

• Semi-Annually

• Enough to stay within tolerances while monitoring for drift or mechanical issues.

🧪 Highly Regulated Industries:

• As required by your ISO, DOT, or legal-for-trade compliance standards

• Many programs require documented calibration at specific intervals.

🔍 Signs Your Scale Needs Immediate Calibration

Even with a schedule in place, be on the lookout for:

• Inconsistent or fluctuating readings

• Customer complaints about load weights

• Mechanical issues or recent repairs

• Harsh weather exposure or flooding

• Excessive debris or buildup under the scale

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in the experts—even if you're not due for a checkup.

🧰 How Capitol Scale Can Help

Capitol Scale provides certified truck scale calibration across Wisconsin, using:

• NIST-traceable test weights

• State-certified technicians

• High-capacity mobile test trucks

• Detailed documentation for audits and compliance

We also offer preventative maintenance programs that combine calibration, cleaning, and inspection into a single, cost-effective visit.

📍 Serving All of Wisconsin

With technicians and equipment strategically placed around the state, we provide quick service to:

• Milwaukee

• Madison

• Green Bay

• Wausau

• Eau Claire

• And everywhere in between

📞 Need to Schedule a Calibration?

Don’t wait for an inspection—or worse, a breakdown—to discover a problem.Let Capitol Scale keep your operation accurate, compliant, and running smoothly.

👉 Call 1-888-953-5333 or Contact Us Online to schedule your next calibration today.