How Do You Know You Are Getting the Weight You Paid for???

jaimz23 · Post by **jaimz23** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 7:41 am

All,

I got coal in September of 2014 and initially I paid for 5 tons...When my coal supplier showed up, we began talking as he was readying the truck for delivery and I told him (nicely) that I didn't think that I got quite what I paid for last year. (which was the first year I had used him) I had no way to be sure, but it didn't look like as big a "pile" as I had seen in my bin from other suppliers in the past for the same amount...

He kinda ho'd and hummed and was like, "yeah, they've been hounding me at the weigh stations and if I get caught being over one more time....." etc. etc.

He then told me that the coal delivery of 5 tons that I was supposed to get is closer to 4.5 and charged me for 4.5 tons and not 5.

After the delivery, I have no way to be sure, but it looked more on the lines of 4 tons...and it is only now that I have been burning for a few months and I can see what I have left that it is really starting to dawn on me that I probably got closer to 4 tons than 4.5

Now, I have burned coal for 5 years and have tried 3 different suppliers with varying coal qualities (Agel, Paul Chervy, and now **** ****). The only reason I switched was because a relative of mine who lives only about 2 miles from me, was getting 5 tons 2 years ago and asked me if I wanted to get the other 5 through their supplier and it would cut costs for the both of us a bit to split a 10 ton load. I have no way to be sure, but I honestly believe that the last 2 years, with my 3rd supplier, I didn't quite get the weight that I paid for and truly believe if I had said nothing when it was being delivered, that nothing would have been said about this year's less than 5 ton weight.

Now, to play Devil's advocate, I could be wrong and have gotten very close to 4.5 tons, but I just can't believe it...I didn't start burning until December 9 and use roughly 1 ton a month give or take a bit depending on the severity of our weather in P.A. and I have what looks like about 2 tons left (I only say this because I go to a local coal place when/if I am getting low at the end of the season and get 1.5 tons loaded by skidsteer in my truck and weighed before and after so it is easier for me to ballpark what 1-2 tons looks like than 4-5.

I am honestly not trying to bad mouth my supplier and am leaving his name off the post as he has been a all around decent guy, but I can't help but think that I got less than I paid for and that I truly have no way to tell for sure.

So my question is, How do you guys know you are getting what you paid for? Weight-wise? Is there a way that I could possibly implement in the future to be sure I am getting what I paid for or at least closer to what I paid? Also, if I am not getting it, that I have a ironclad way to tell them that they have not delivered what was agreed to? I can't really afford to get a expensive scale of some sort but any not super expensive ideas are appreciated.

P.S. FYI, I have my coal bin in my basement can't remember the exact dimensions, been 6 years since I built it, but I can get them if needed. I know at the time when I built it, I think I sized it to fit 6 tons max in there...

Thanks

Post by **Rob R.** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 7:46 am

Did you get a weigh slip? It is real tough to "eyeball" how much coal you got...but the fact that the guy knocked 1000 lbs off right after you questioned it is suspicious.

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 7:49 am

The only sure fire way would be to make 3 trips yourself & get a definite 4.5 ton w/ weight slip--other then that, it's about trusting your supplier & knowing what it SHOULD look like in your bin which you seem to be real iffy on dimensions???? Most independent suppliers are not set up scale wise. I'm fortunate to have a scrap yard kinda close that friends own. If needed I could weigh empty & then full. I have done that with critter feed. Other then all that my friend, all ya got is he said, she said:(

jaimz23 · Post by **jaimz23** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 7:57 am

Rob R. wrote:Did you get a weigh slip? It is real tough to "eyeball" how much coal you got...but the fact that the guy knocked 1000 lbs off right after you questioned it is suspicious.

This is exactly what I though too...

I know it is tough to eyeball the coal weight, but I really feel like I got less than I paid for...

I did get a weight slip/receipt that was hand written from my supplier with his letterhead at the top of the paper.

It was written for 9000 lbs, but I could write anything I want in there too...

As far as my bin dimensions go, I can get them easily after work, just can't remember what it was right now.

Thanks for the replies

Post by **Richard S.** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 8:00 am

The dimensions will vary depending on the coal and the size. Rice will take up more than nut, generally speaking it should be around 40 cubic ft. per ton.

freetown fred wrote: Most independent suppliers are not set up scale wise.

You cannot legally sell coal in PA without a weight slip from a certified scale.

northernmainecoal · Post by **northernmainecoal** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 8:01 am

There should be a printed weigh slip from a certified scale if he is actually weighing each load, not something hand written.

Post by **Richard S.** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 8:03 am

northernmainecoal wrote:There should be a printed weigh slip from a certified scale if he is actually weighing each load, not something hand written.

Weight slips can be hand written.

stovepipemike · Post by **stovepipemike** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 8:06 am

If you can't get a weigh slip with a weigh master's number on it why not do this? Build a wooden box that equals exactly one cubic foot . Let him dump the pile from his truck. Fill the box and get it weighed using the best scale available to you. Load up your storage bin without using any of it just yet in the burner. Calculate the volume of what you put into your storage bin. Use the inch measurement and convert to cubic feet. Multiply the bin volume by your "standard" weight of your box and you will have a very close approximation. At the least you will know if you got a little pinch or the seat of your pants ripped out. Mike

Post by **Richard S.** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 8:15 am

Richard S. wrote: Weight slips can be hand written.

To elaborate it needs to contain the following things.

Numbered
Address of the scale
Date
Time
License number on the truck/trailer
Size of coal
Dealers name and address
Name and address of the customer(may only be the town)
Weigtmasters signature and lic. number
Tare
Net
Gross

There is four copies; the original white copy goes to the customer, one is for the dealer, one that has to maintained at the scale for X amount of years and another for the breakers office records.

hotblast1357 · Post by **hotblast1357** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 8:19 am

There is no place in your town with a scale? I have a truck stop 3 exits south of me, I could meet my supplier there, weigh him, then on his way back home weigh him again, it cost 5$ To use the truck stop scales, that way you know exactly, and if they do not agree too it, well then there's your answer.

Post by **Richard S.** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 8:21 am

hotblast1357 wrote:There is no place in your town with a scale? I have a truck stop 3 exits south of me, I could meet my supplier there, weigh him, then on his way back home weigh him again, it cost 5$ To use the truck stop scales, that way you know exactly, and if they do not agree too it, well then there's your answer.

If I was delivering to you that would require about $100 fee from me. Time is money.

hotblast1357 · Post by **hotblast1357** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 8:29 am

Why would it cost you? The 20 minutes to pull on and off the scale?

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 8:37 am

Really??? Even small ma & pa dealors? My bins are built by numbers I got here on the FORUM & each bin holds 1 ton--3 bins, 3 tons.

Richard S. wrote:The dimensions will vary depending on the coal and the size. Rice will take up more than nut, generally speaking it should be around 40 cubic ft. per ton.

freetown fred wrote: Most independent suppliers are not set up scale wise.
You cannot legally sell coal in PA without a weight slip from a certified scale.

Post by **Richard S.** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 8:38 am

hotblast1357 wrote:Why would it cost you? The 20 minutes to pull on and off the scale?

You said 3 miles, if that 3 miles is out of my way that's 12 miles altogether. I have to go there twice. then there is the time at the scale, they usually charge if you want to weigh a truck.....

hotblast1357 · Post by **hotblast1357** » Wed. Jan. 21, 2015 8:41 am

No the scale is south of me, you would pass it coming to me, and pass t going home, probably would stop there for fuel, and I've weighed there before, it's 5$ a time no matter what it is. But I do understand some people aren't setup that good. But even if it cost you an additional 100$ wouldn't the OP be willing to throw you an additional 100$ for a piece of mind on his 5 ton load? It would save him from building other things to weigh it at his bin.