Glossary

Gross Weight

Definition

Gross weight refers to the total weight of a shipment, including the weight of the goods, packaging, pallets, and any other materials used for transportation. This measurement is essential in road freight logistics for several reasons, such as determining the appropriate vehicle for transportation, calculating freight charges, and ensuring compliance with weight regulations and restrictions.

— sennder Team

FAQ

- **Gross weight:** The total weight of a shipment, including the goods, packaging, pallets, and any other materials used for transportation. - **Net weight:** The weight of the goods themselves, excluding any packaging, pallets, or other materials. - **Tare weight:** The weight of the packaging, pallets, and other materials used for transportation, without the goods.
Knowing the gross weight of a shipment is crucial for several reasons in road freight logistics: - **Vehicle selection:** The gross weight helps determine the appropriate vehicle for transportation, ensuring that it can safely and legally carry the load. - **Freight charges:** Freight carriers often base their charges on the gross weight of the shipment, making it essential for accurate cost estimation and invoicing. - **Compliance:** Compliance with weight regulations and restrictions is crucial to avoid fines, penalties, and potential damage to the goods, vehicle, or road infrastructure.
To determine the gross weight of a shipment, follow these steps: 1. Weigh the goods (net weight). 2. Weigh the packaging materials, pallets, and any other materials used for transportation (tare weight). 3. Add the net weight and tare weight together to obtain the gross weight.
Example or usage in road freight logistics

Example:

A company is shipping a consignment of 500 boxes, each weighing 10 kg (net weight). The boxes are packed on 10 wooden pallets, each weighing 25 kg. The packaging materials, such as wrapping and straps, weigh an additional 15 kg. The gross weight of the shipment can be calculated as follows:

  • Net weight: 500 boxes x 10 kg = 5,000 kg

  • Tare weight: (10 pallets x 25 kg) + 15 kg = 265 kg

  • Gross weight: 5,000 kg + 265 kg = 5,265 kg

This information helps the logistics company select the appropriate vehicle for transportation, calculate freight charges, and ensure compliance with weight regulations and restrictions.

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