Axle weighing specialist, Axtec has installed its new Series 5000 Dynamic Axle Weighbridge at Brit European’s site in Middlewich. The international logistics provider invested in the equipment primarily for its own compliance requirements but now has certification to open it up as a public weighbridge. Brit European hopes to offer this service to operators locally and further afield for a small fee.
The equipment provides axle and total weights for a 6-axle tractor and trailer. It works by driving the vehicle across the weighing platform at a constant speed up to 2.5mph. After around 40 seconds the measurements show on a large digital display to an accuracy of +/- 0.25%.
Fleet optimisation manager, Andy Evans, said: “The new Axtec weighbridge has already proved to be an excellent compliance benefit for us. It’s very quick, it’s very simple and it’s very accurate, and I can see it delivering significant efficiencies across the fleet. Locally there are few weighbridges of this type and quality outside of DVSA enforcement sites, so we are delighted to be offering the new weighbridge to other hauliers at just a small operational fee. There will be an online booking option for customers. I can see the new Axtec weighbridge making a hugely positive impact on productivity for us and other operators.”
The installation process involved constructing a perfectly level 35m concrete slab which Axtec’s team built before fitting the dynamic weighing equipment. The weighbridge was installed at Brit European’s carbon neutral distribution and headquarters site, the Vita Nova Centre. Located near junction 18 of the M6, the facility caters to 50 head office staff and acts as a distribution hub for 75 vehicles, including the Mercedes-Benz Actros pictured. The Vita Nova Centre uses vertical axis wind turbines, solar panels and rainwater harvesting to make it an environmentally friendly, fully off-grid site. Since installing the weighbridge Brit European has already reported operational benefits and is looking to install a second dynamic weighbridge at another site.