On a standard three-platform weigh, the steer axle sits on platform 1, the tractor drives on platform 2, and the trailer tandems on platform 3. CAT Scale's own instructions use that arrangement. The ticket reports those axle-group weights and the gross total.
Gross weight is the total of the three readings.
Decide what the ticket is telling you
- Heavy drives, trailer has room: a forward trailer-tandem slide may help.
- Heavy trailer, drives have room: a rearward slide may help.
- Both tandem groups heavy or gross over: sliding only trades weight and cannot remove the excess.
- Steer issue: investigate the tractor, fifth wheel, load distribution, fuel, equipment ratings, and applicable rules rather than assuming a trailer-tandem slide is the answer.
For a reweigh, compare the same axle groups on both tickets and note the tandem position. Gross should remain close unless fuel, cargo, or another condition changed. A large mismatch is a reason to check the entries before using the tickets for calibration.
Center each axle group on the correct platform and keep the entire combination clear of the approaches as directed at the scale. A split or spread-axle arrangement may use a different procedure, so follow the scale operator's instructions rather than forcing it into the standard three-platform example.
Keep the first ticket until the load is settled. Writing the pin position and number of holes moved on it makes the reweigh useful later, especially after pulling around the lot or handling a second adjustment.
The familiar federal Interstate references are 20,000 pounds for a single axle, 34,000 for a tandem group, and 80,000 gross, but Bridge Formula, state rules, equipment ratings, permits, and route restrictions can produce a different controlling limit.