Since the beginning of history, goods transported both by air and sea have been charged for their weight. The amount that would be charged by the shipping company is calculated using a system called weight Tonnage.
Also, weights are very significant because they affect the volume of air freight cargo and the class of shipping that determines how much it is to be insured.
Why is Shipping Weight Important?
The most obvious reason why shipping weight is so important is because it affects the cost and all other aspects of shipping. The heavier a product is, the more expensive it is to ship. Determining how much it will cost to ship your product can help you choose between different options for shipping methods and carriers.
Shipping weight is also important because it helps you understand how much work it takes to transport your product. How much does it cost to ship a package? This is important information for business owners who want to know if their products are worth the price.
Types of Weights Used in Shipping
The Shipping Industry uses a variety of different types of weights to calculate the amount of cargo that needs to be loaded on a ship. This is because each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The main types of weights used in shipping are:
- Tare Weights
- Net Weights
- Gross Weights
- Net Tonnage
- Gross Tonnage
- Volumetric
Tare Weight
The weight of a container or vehicle when it is empty is referred to as tare weight or unladen weight sometimes. The weight of the goods carried or contained (the net weight) can be calculated by deducting tare weight from gross weight (loaded weight).
Net Weights
Net weights are calculated by adding up the gross weights and deducting any tare weights from them. The net weight is a measure of how much space a container or vehicle occupies in terms of volume. Net weights are also used for purposes such as calculating insurance premiums, etc., where it is important to know how much space a shipment occupies.
Gross Weight
A container with its contents inside has its own specific weight independent of the total load carried by it or unloaded from it during transportation. This includes cargo, packages, etc., but does not include any freight charges levied against it by the carrier during transport such as customs duties and taxes. In case of multiple containers being carried on one vehicle, their combined gross weight should be considered when calculating net/tare ratios and other factors related to airfreight transportation.
Net Tonnage
The net tonnage is the weight that a ship carries minus the weight of cargo. It's calculated by taking the gross tonnage, adding up all the weights on board, and subtracting any empty spaces.
Net Tonnage is used for calculating freight rates, dispatch times, and other shipping-related information. Generally, when paying for your shipment you will be charged by net tonnage (e.g., $1/ton).
Gross Tonnage
The gross tonnage is the maximum amount of cargo that can be carried by the ship. This is determined by multiplying the length of the ship by its beam and dividing it by two. The resulting number is the maximum amount of space a ship can have available for cargo. A larger ship will carry more than a smaller one with equal capacity and comfort.
