What Is Gross Weight? Here Is How to Calculate It!

In the shipping process, several terms are commonly used, such as gross weight and net weight, to ensure that the vessel is not overloaded. Moreover, it is essential to include accurate gross weight information in the bill of lading.

Then, what is gross weight, and how do you calculate it? This article will help you better understand gross weight in logistics. Therefore, read the complete information below!

What Is Gross Weight?

Gross weight is calculated from the cargo’s weight and the entire packaging, including the pallets and plastic wrappings. For example, if you ship a 50 kg good packed in wooden pallets of 10 kg, the gross weight will be 60 kg.

Typically, the shipping fee is determined from gross weight. So, when goods are delivered in an additional box or with protective packaging, it increases the total weight of the cargo.

It is important to note that land transportation has a maximum weight limit regulated by the expedition company. For instance, Pos Indonesia has a maximum weight of 50 kg for regular, same-day, and next-day delivery.

If you send cargo that exceeds the maximum weight limit, your delivery might be postponed, or you might have to pay some fines.

In addition, gross weight also helps determine how your cargo is stored and loaded to prevent damage during the shipment.

How to Calculate Gross Weight

Gross weight is the weight of goods, including the items and their packaging. Therefore, gross weight is calculated by adding the net weight to the tare weight. Here is the formula:

Gross weight = Net weight + tare weight

Note:

Net weight is derived from reducing gross weight to tare weight.
Tare weight is determined by subtracting gross weight from net weight. Tare weight is the packaging-only weight.

Example:

You need to send 8,000 cans of luncheon meat, and the weight of each can is 200 grams. Those canned meats are packed in boxes in equal amounts and then are stacked with wooden pallets. Next, you will deliver them in a 20-foot container.

From this case, the calculation is:

(8,000 x 200 gr) canned meat + 2,380 kg of container + 300 kg of packaging and pallet = 4,280 kg

In conclusion, the gross weight of the canned luncheon meat is 4,280 kg.

Gross Weight and Net Weight: What Is the Difference?

What Is the Difference Gross Weight and Net Weight

When discussing gross weight, you’ll often come across the term “net weight” as well. Then, what makes them different? Gross weight refers to the weight of the product plus its packaging, while net weight is the weight of the product alone, excluding any packaging, pallets, or cargo wrappings.

Net weight is usually required for shipping taxes. In addition, it is more accurate for customs purposes, helping ensure that your goods are not delayed during clearance.

The next application of gross weight and net weight is route planning. Cargo will be totaled by gross weight to determine the appropriate transportation and the most efficient route to avoid overloading.

The gross weight is also used to determine shipping insurance, as the insurance value is based on the weight of the goods being transported.

Aside from gross weight and net weight, you will also hear about tare weight. Tare weight is the weight of empty packaging and containers without any product inside, such as drums, wooden pallets, wrappers, containers, and wooden crates.

However, tare weight is also used to calculate the weight of a truck before loading goods for bulk transportation.

The Relation Between Gross, Net, and Tare Weight

Gross, net, and tare weights are related to determine the shipping and cost efficiency. Those three are calculated to measure shipping cost, comply with the maximum weight limit, meet customs requirements, and prevent cargo delay due to overloading.

Overall, gross weight is used to determine shipping and warehousing costs. Meanwhile, net weight is used to determine taxes, import costs, and inventory tracking. Finally, tare weight is used to determine accurate shipping costs, product weight, and customs compliance.

In logistics, Chandra Asri Group, with logistics solutions through PT Chandra Daya Investasi Tbk, is ready to deliver chemicals and gases with 9 vessels of 106,650 DWT. The number might increase in the future.

In addition to sea logistics, Chandra Asri Group also offers land transportation through PT SCG Barito Logistics and PT Chandra Cold Chain with 155 trucks and various warehouses in Cilegon and Java.

Choose Chandra Asri Group as your growth partner for chemical and gas logistics services!