Shipping weight guide: Tare, net, and gross weight explained
Whether you’re shipping boxes and pallets or full containers, understanding weight terminology in shipping is essential for compliance, cost control, and cargo safety. In this guide, we break down tare, net, and gross weight – what they are, how to calculate them, and why each one matters.
What is tare weight?
Tare weight, also known as unladen weight, is the weight of an empty container, packaging, or sometimes a vehicle – with no cargo inside. In most shipping scenarios, tare weight refers to things like containers, crates, drums, pallets, and packaging. In bulk transport or when using a weighbridge, however, tare weight can also refer to the empty weight of a truck, trailer, or railcar before loading.
Knowing tare weight helps you determine the real weight of your products, which is key to calculating shipping costs correctly and avoiding unexpected charges.
Tare weight helps you get accurate freight quotes. If you’re sending boxed goods overseas, knowing the container's empty weight keeps costs clear and fair.
Customs often ask for tare weight to check documentation and make sure you’re following import/export rules.
Staying within weight limits helps you avoid fines and reduces stress on delivery vehicles – especially important if you're shipping in bulk.
Example: A standard Maersk 20-foot shipping container has a tare weight of 2,280 kg (5,030 lb). The 40-foot version weighs around 3,700 kg (8,157 lb).
What is net weight?
Net weight, also called net mass or payload, is the actual weight of your products only. It doesn’t include the weight of boxes, pallets, containers, or anything used to ship the goods. It’s the number that matters when it comes to selling, pricing, and declaring goods at customs.
Import duties and taxes are usually based on net weight – not the packaging or container.
Accurate product weight helps with cost control, especially if you sell by the gram, kilo, or unit (like cosmetics, food, or electronics).
Being precise avoids