It is crucial to understand shipping weights when delivering goods. There is no need to distinguish between gross and net weight. For shipping purposes, the terms “gross weight,” “net weight,” and “tare weight” are all usually applied.
As the China sourcing agent for over a decade, we helped companies with matters regarding gross and net weight. These weights are crucial in international shipping. Thus, you must better understand shipping companies and how they calculate the shipping rates.
We’ll share the meaning of the base weights, and net weight vs. gross weight. Let’s dive right in!
What is Net Weight?
Net weight is an item’s weight minus any container or packaging weight. The item’s container weight or packing is not included in calculating the net weight. The package may specify the net weight in grams, kilograms, liters, or any other unit.
Most people are probably familiar with it because they see it on food packaging daily. For instance, the weight of sardines before they are canned will be the net weight.
Thus, this would cover both the sardines and liquid used to preserve the contents of the can. Therefore, you can express the value of food as its net weight.
In other words, net weight refers to the amount of food or other goods. It excludes any additional packaging or container weight.
What is Gross Weight?
Gross weight refers to the combined weight of the transported products. It includes all packaging but not the tare weight of the transport vehicle.
All related weights are added to the net weight and tare weight. Tare weight refers to the weight of a commercial vehicle before any cargo is loaded.
You should first weigh your raw goods alone, without any packaging. Then, weigh the packaging and combine the two weights to get the gross weight.
When shipping is carried by air transport, you can determine the gross weight by combining several values. They are the plane’s weight, fuel used, and the number of passengers.
In addition, the curb weight of a plane or vehicle is crucial during shipping. Therefore, you need to consider them in the total gross weight for shipping.
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Why is Weight important in International Shipping？
I often get the question of why weight is important in International shipping from my clients. The answer is actually simple. We consider actual weight, dimensional weight, and what it means of billable weight when examining shipment weight.
Actual weights are the precise weight of the goods, including the packing.
Dimensional weight considers the size of the package you are delivering. It includes its length, width, and height. The dimensional weight can be estimated using several formulae.
The shipping cost will be determined by the larger of the two weights (actual vs. dimensional), also known as the “billable weight.”
Weights and measures procedures improve economic stability and help import goods fairly. However, freight change can happen anytime without providing actual information. Thus, we are supposed to give the correct weight to the bill of lading (BOL).
These weights are essential when transporting goods across international boundaries. For instance, some customers buy raw materials based on the material weight.
However, they have no interest in the packaging, even though the shipping business must take the weight of the packaging into account. Thus, it is crucial that the goods’ seller is aware of and discloses all weights.
Due to the ability of the shipping containers, shipping boats have a large carrying capacity. Thus, the weight of the container plays an important role. If the ship is too heavily loaded or has too much weight on one side, it will eventually sink the ship.
Comparison Between Gross Weight and Net Weight
It is crucial to know how these measurements perform and how they impact shipments. I crafted the table below to explain the net and gross weight definitions. Including how they’re related to shipping goods internationally.
| Basis of Comparison | Net Weight | Gross Weight |
| Definition | Net weight refers to the total weight of a product minus the container’s weight and any additional materials. | Gross weight refers to the total weight of a specific cargo being transported from one location to another. |
| Weight Calculation | Net weight = gross weight – tare weight | Gross weight = net weight + tare weight |
| Mode of transportation | Whether traveling by road, water, or air freight shipping, the net weight is the same for all modes of transportation. | Aircraft must consider the weight of the crew, fuel, and cargo on board. Ships evaluate both the tare and net weight. |
| Relation | Net weight does not include tare weight. | Gross weight includes the tare weight. |
| Unit | You can use all these units- kilograms and pounds to calculate net weight. | You should use metric tons to calculate gross weight. |
| Purpose | Net weight is used to calculate the product weight before it is packed. | Gross weight is used to calculate the cost of shipping. |
How does Net Weight and Gross Weight affect shipping cost?
The most significant element that affects transportation costs is the weight of every item. Packaging weight and distance have an impact on the shipping costs of products. Especially for that important cargo which needs to be sent urgently need high shipping cost.
Typically, airlines are aware not to transport too many large goods onto a single plane. For example, 1kg of paper may be more expensive as a package than 1kg of iron. It is because the paper has a much more dimensional size compared to iron. Therefore, in air freight, the dimensional or volumetric weight is essential.
Shipping is simple if you know your shipment’s net and gross weight. Using smaller or lighter packing materials will help you save money on shipping. The overall gross weight is thus decreased, lowering transportation costs.
The best advice I give my clients is always to know how heavy each of their shipments is. Understanding different weight categories enable you to calculate your shipping and production costs.
FAQs about Net Weight vs Gross Weight
1. What are net weight ounces?
Net weight ounces (NET WT. OZ) is a unit of measurement for mass or weight. Sellers typically measure dry goods in net weight ounces and liquids in fluid ounces.
2. What is the relationship between Gross weight, Net weight, and Tare weight?
Gross weight includes packaging materials like crates, pallets, and other items and is the overall weight of a shipment of goods. Therefore, gross weight consists of the total of tare and net weight.
Gross weight = Tare weight + Net weight
3. Is it necessary to have the exact net weight in the documents?
Yes, it is. Some sellers neglect the impact of the product’s packing after measuring the net weight. It is vital to state the total gross weight in the documents to ease your shipping process. Accurate weight management can help to plan your shipment easier.
4. Which department is in charge of weighing the shipment?
All the shipping and freight companies are responsible for weighing the shipment. Therefore, they must ensure that the various weights they declare are accurate as stated on the Bill of Lading or under the shipping instructions to the shipping line.
What’s Next
Gross weight and net weight are the same concept and are relevant between all the weights. If you want to reduce the maximum payload, you can consider removing the packaging material of your goods. It is also vital to know any special requirements of the transport company.
Want to learn more about international shipping and weighing methods? We are the solution you need. Leeline Sourcing has over ten years of sourcing experience for companies worldwide. Drop us a message today to enhance your business.
