A method implemented by a programmable controller to estimate the payload mass in a bed of a moving hauling machine. The method includes determining whether the machine is at a steady acceleration and grade, estimating transmission torque, calculating axle torque at at least one of the ground engaging elements, calculating force at said ground engaging element, determining the acceleration of the machine, calculating mass of the machine with the payload, adjusting the calculated mass of the machine with the payload based upon an estimated machine mass and rolling resistance, and providing an estimate of the mass of the payload.