Shipping scale review

Brecknell PS-USB 150 lb Shipping Scale (816965006526)

The PS-USB-150 is the scale for a business that wants certified-capable weighing and a platform big enough for real boxes. Brecknell documents NTEP approval, a 12 × 14 in platform and RS-232/USB output. Its 0.05 lb steps are too coarse for letters and flats—pair it with a small postal scale if you ship both.

150 lb × 0.05 lb model; 30 lb and 70 lb versions exist.

Buy if / skip if

Buy it if

  • You need a scale that can be certified legal for trade.
  • Your boxes are larger than a shoebox.
  • Your software reads a serial/virtual-COM scale.

Pros and cons

What stands out

  • NTEP approved
  • 12 × 14 in platform
  • RS-232 and USB
  • Configurable auto-off, tare, several hold modes

Drawbacks

  • Coarse 0.05 lb steps
  • Fixed display
  • USB is a virtual COM port, not HID—check software support
  • Warranty not in the documents we read

Specifications

From the sources listed at the end of this review. Speeds are manufacturer claims; “not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it in the documents we read.

Brecknell PS-USB-150 specifications
Capacity150 lb (60 kg)
Minimum loadNot stated
Display increments0.05 lb (0.8 oz) / 0.02 kg
Stated accuracy / toleranceNTEP-approved (Class III per resellers); tolerance per NTEP class, not a single ± figure
Unitskg, lb, lb:oz (lb:oz is non-NTEP)
TareYes (manual and preset tare)
HoldYes (several modes; Auto HOLD default)
Remote or detachable displayNo (integrated display)
Display cableNot applicable
Platform12 × 14 in (355 × 305 mm), stainless steel top
Power6 V DC 500 mA adapter or four AA batteries
Auto-offConfigurable 1–255 min; default appears off
CalibrationSealed calibration switch; needs >10% of capacity as test weight
Data connectionRS-232 and USB (virtual COM port)
Legal for tradeNTEP approved; not legal for trade until certified and registered by a Weights & Measures agent (Brecknell)
IncludedNot itemized
Dimensions16 × 14 × 3.15 in
WarrantyNot stated in the documents we read

Analysis

“Legal for trade” is a process, not a sticker

Brecknell's service manual says the scale is NTEP certified for legal-for-trade applications but is “not a Legal for Trade until it has been certified and registered by an authorized Weights and Measures agent.” Most home shippers don't need this; businesses that charge by weight may.

Platform math

A 12 × 14 in platform fully supports a 12 × 12 in box. The display is integrated, so very large boxes can still block it.

Compatibility notes and common mistakes

USB presents as a virtual serial port; confirm your shipping software supports it.

  • Assuming NTEP approval makes it legal for trade out of the box.
  • Using it for letter mail where 0.8 oz steps matter.

Alternatives

Brecknell PS150 Slimline (150 lb)

Brecknell's 150 lb receiving scale with a movable indicator.

Brecknell PS-USB-150 vs PS150 Slimline: 150 lb Scales for Bigger Boxes · Compare these side by side

FAQ

What does NTEP mean?
NTEP is the US National Type Evaluation Program. An NTEP certificate means the model type was evaluated; individual scales used commercially still need local inspection and registration.

Final recommendation

The right choice for businesses that need certifiable weighing and a proper platform.

Sources

Read and checked on September 27, 2026. We cite manufacturer documents first; third-party hosts are labeled.

  1. Brecknell PS-USB product page (Brecknell, manufacturer product page; checked September 27, 2026)
  2. PS-USB Service Manual (PDF) (Brecknell, manufacturer manual; checked September 27, 2026)