Hattiesburg serves as a critical commercial transport junction in south-central Mississippi, connecting Gulf Coast maritime ports with northern freight corridors. Operating through this busy hub requires precise axle weight management to remain compliant with state and federal shipping standards.
Before taking your rig back out on the highway, verify your weight distribution at a local CAT Scale location. Doing so helps drivers remain in compliance with strict safety directives enforced by the FMCSA and Mississippi Department of Transportation authorities.
CAT Scale Locations Near Hattiesburg
Commercial drivers passing through Hattiesburg can access certified weighing services at several convenient locations along key freight routes:
- Love's Travel Stop #393: Located off I-59 at Exit 60 (US-11 / MS-589), offering 24/7 certified platform weighing and overnight parking.
- Petro Stopping Center (Moselle / North Hattiesburg): Positioned off I-59 at Exit 76, equipped with a full-size certified scale and driver amenities.
- Keith's Superstores / Local Truck Stop Outposts: Convenient access points along US-49 North and South providing certified weight tickets.
CAT Scale Services Working Hours Pricing in Hattiesburg
Local CAT scale facilities in the Hattiesburg area offer continuous 24/7 driver access, allowing truckers to weigh their loads at any time. Drivers receive a guaranteed accurate weight ticket detailing individual axle weights and total gross weight.
Standard initial weigh fees typically cost between $13.00 and $15.00. If you need to adjust your load and scale again, reweighs cost approximately $3.00 to $4.00 when completed within the allowed timeframe. Drivers can expedite the process by using the Weigh My Truck app to weigh and pay directly from the cab.
Why Truck Drivers Need Cat Scales
Proper weight distribution is essential for commercial safety and legal compliance. Truckers must ensure that their steer axle (typically 12,000 lbs), drive axles (34,000 lbs), and trailer tandems (34,000 lbs) do not exceed individual ratings while maintaining a maximum gross vehicle weight of 80,000 lbs.
Weighing certified platforms ensures drivers satisfy requirements outlined in the FHWA Federal Bridge Formula. Scale tickets also provide unconditional financial protection: if you are fined for an overweight load after receiving a legal CAT scale ticket, the scale operator covers the fine.
Major Highways Near Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg is known as the 'Hub City' due to its strategic position at the intersection of primary commercial highway corridors:
- Interstate 59: Major north-south Interstate linking New Orleans and Gulfport with Meridian and Birmingham.
- US Highway 49: Essential freight corridor connecting the Mississippi Gulf Coast directly to Jackson.
- US Highway 98: Major east-west route serving timber and regional commerce between Mobile, Alabama, and Natchez, Mississippi.
Freight Trucking Near Hattiesburg
The freight ecosystem around Hattiesburg features a diverse mix of agricultural, forestry, industrial, and retail logistics. The surrounding Pine Belt region produces significant volumes of timber, paper goods, and poultry, all requiring heavy-haul transport.
Additionally, regional industrial parks and regional distribution centers rely heavily on dry van, reefer, and flatbed transport to move raw materials and finished goods across the Southeast.
Truck Weight Regulations in Hattiesburg
Mississippi weight limits strictly enforce a maximum gross vehicle weight of 80,000 lbs on Interstate routes without specialized overweight permits. Standard non-permitted limits include 20,000 lbs for single axles and 34,000 lbs for tandem axles.
MDOT law enforcement operates static weigh stations and mobile inspection units frequently along I-59 and US-49. Weighing immediately after loading in Hattiesburg protects drivers from costly out-of-service orders and overweight penalties.
FAQ
Q: What is the cost of a CAT scale reweigh in Hattiesburg?
A: A reweigh generally costs between $3.00 and $4.00, provided it is performed at the same scale location within the designated time limit (usually 24 hours) with the same tractor and trailer.
Q: Can I pay for my weight ticket using a smartphone?
A: Yes, drivers can utilize the Weigh My Truck app to scale their truck, pay electronically, and receive a PDF ticket on their mobile device without stepping inside the truck stop.
Q: What happens if I scale over 80,000 lbs in Mississippi?
A: If your total weight exceeds 80,000 lbs or an individual axle group exceeds legal limits, you must shift your trailer tandems, adjust your fifth wheel, or redistribute/offload cargo before entering public highways.
