Precision Ballast & Scales

Ballast is precisely distributed using a variety of steel plates, shot bags, concrete blocks, and water tanks. Vehicles are ballasted with full fuel and fluids on scales calibrated to 0.1% accuracy.

Texas Test Fleet’s scales are checked against a calibration weight daily.

Precision Tire Pressures

Texas Test Fleet’s master pressure gauge is calibrated to NIST standards. All gauges in the facility are checked against the master daily. Gauges more than 2-psi from the master are discarded.

Tire pressures are checked and recorded multiple times per day. Unless instructed to by a supervisor, no employee will alter the pressure except from a primary digital pressure gauge.

Precision Alignments

Test vehicles have the most precise alignments on the road. Vehicles are aligned daily using Hunter alignment machines. Texas Test Fleet’s alignment racks are also checked daily using a Hunter calibration jig and certified annually by a Hunter team.

Driver Selection

Texas Test Fleet thoroughly screens drivers using background checks, driving records, and drug tests to ensure your test will be driven safely, consistently, and to your precise instructions. A minimum of 5 years of driving experience with an excellent record is required. Any substance-related incidents, like DUIs, are a permanent disqualifier under our zero-tolerance policy. Driver bonuses are tied to clean, consistent driving.

New drivers first train by riding along with experienced drivers. They are then placed in the middle of multiple car convoys so they can be monitored by more experienced drivers, both leading and following.

Driving the Route

To increase data consistency, drivers stick with specific tests and vehicles whenever possible. Drivers are briefed pre-shift on special test requirements, which are also displayed in the vehicle for reference. If drivers discover construction detours or other deviations en route, they call dispatch for direction before proceeding. 

Test Monitoring

GPS tracking, installed in all convoys, ensures your routes and test specifications are followed. Dispatchers track convoy progress along the route. Additional in-vehicle instrumentation can collect further data points such as g-forces and speed.

Data Collection

Your data is collected with high-quality Mitutoyo digital dial indicators in accordance with ASTM F421. Only tenured employees are selected to join the data team. Before being allowed to record client data, new technicians train with practice tires. In addition, proprietary software cross checks technician’s readings.

Visualize Treadwear

To help you visualize wear, the location of measurements are marked on a photograph or footprint of the tire. Tread casting is also available as a popular option for creating a physical record of your tire.

Data Security

To prevent human errors, drivers and data collection teams are carefully screened, background checked, drug tested, and extensively trained. Once collected, your data is encrypted and backed up off-site to ensure it can't be lost or stolen.