Gross Weight

Gross weight is the complete weight of a shipment as it would be measured on a scale, including the product itself plus all packaging materials, boxes, pallets, and anything else shipped together. This is the weight carriers use to calculate shipping costs.

Gross Weight Formula

Gross Weight = Net Weight + Tare Weight

Where:

• Net Weight = Weight of the product only
• Tare Weight = Weight of packaging and containers

Gross vs. Net vs. Tare Weight

Why Gross Weight Matters

For Shipping Costs

• Carriers charge by gross weight
• Every ounce of packaging counts
• Heavier = more expensive

For Customs

• International declarations need gross weight
• Tariff calculations may use it
• Required on commercial invoices

For Handling

• Determines equipment needed
• Weight limits on vehicles
• Safety considerations
• Storage requirements

Gross Weight Examples

Parcel Shipping

Carriers round up, so 3.9 lbs = 4 lbs billable.

Freight Shipping

Gross Weight in Documentation

Commercial Invoice

Item: Widget Model X
Quantity: 500 units
Net Weight: 250 kg
Gross Weight: 285 kg

Bill of Lading

Description: Electronic Components
Pieces: 4 pallets
Gross Weight: 2,400 lbs

Shipping Label

Weight: 15.4 LBS (gross)

Measuring Gross Weight

Parcel Shipments

1. Pack item completely (ready to ship)
2. Place on calibrated scale
3. Record weight
4. Round up per carrier rules

Freight Shipments

1. Weigh empty pallet (or use standard tare)
2. Stack and secure all goods
3. Weigh complete pallet
4. Or: Calculate from component weights

Tips for Accuracy

• Use calibrated scales
• Include ALL materials
• Account for moisture in wood pallets
• Weigh after final packaging
• Double-check before shipping

Gross Weight Limits

Parcel Carriers

Freight Considerations

• Pallet weight limits (2,500-3,000 lbs typical)
• Truck weight limits (legal limits)
• Floor loading limits
• Lift equipment capacity

Reducing Gross Weight

Packaging Optimization

• Lighter box materials
• Minimal void fill
• Right-sized packaging
• Eliminate unnecessary materials

Product Considerations

• Lighter packaging design
• Concentrated formulas
• Component shipping vs. assembled
• Material choices

Savings Example

Reducing packaging by 0.5 lbs on 10,000 annual shipments:

• Weight saved: 5,000 lbs
• At $0.50/lb average: $2,500 annual savings

Gross Weight and Dimensional Weight

Carriers charge the greater of:

• Gross (actual) weight
• Dimensional weight

Example:

• Gross weight: 5 lbs
• Dimensional weight: 12 lbs
• Billable weight: 12 lbs (dimensional)

Even if gross weight is low, large box dimensions can result in higher charges.