Tare Weight
Also known as: Tare, Packaging Weight, Container Weight
Definition
Tare weight is the weight of everything used to package and transport a product—boxes, padding, pallets, stretch wrap, and containers—but not the product itself. It’s the empty weight that gets added to your net product weight to create the total gross weight.
Tare Weight Formula
Tare Weight = Gross Weight - Net Weight
Or conversely: Gross Weight = Net Weight + Tare Weight
Components of Tare Weight
Parcel Shipping
- Corrugated box
- Inner boxes/packaging
- Bubble wrap or padding
- Void fill (peanuts, paper, air pillows)
- Tape
- Labels
Freight Shipping
- Pallets (wood, plastic, or composite)
- Stretch wrap
- Banding/strapping
- Corner protectors
- Slip sheets
- Dunnage
Container Shipping
- Shipping container itself
- Dunnage and blocking
- Moisture absorbers
- Load bars
Common Tare Weights
Packaging Materials
| Material | Typical Weight |
|---|---|
| Small corrugated box | 0.3-0.5 lbs |
| Medium box | 0.5-1.0 lbs |
| Large box | 1.0-2.0 lbs |
| Bubble wrap (per sq ft) | 0.02 lbs |
| Packing peanuts (cu ft) | 0.5-0.7 lbs |
| Air pillows (cu ft) | 0.3 lbs |
Pallets
| Type | Typical Weight |
|---|---|
| Standard wood (48×40) | 30-48 lbs |
| Lightweight wood | 25-35 lbs |
| Plastic pallet | 15-50 lbs |
| Block pallet (heavy duty) | 50-70 lbs |
| Presswood pallet | 15-25 lbs |
Containers
| Container Type | Tare Weight |
|---|---|
| 20’ shipping container | ~4,850 lbs |
| 40’ shipping container | ~8,160 lbs |
| 40’ high cube container | ~8,750 lbs |
| IBC tote (plastic) | 100-150 lbs |
| 55-gallon drum | 20-45 lbs |
Why Tare Weight Matters
Shipping Costs
- You pay to ship packaging too
- Heavier packaging = higher costs
- Opportunity to optimize
Customs Documentation
- Required on commercial invoices
- Must distinguish from net weight
- Affects duty calculations
Receiving and Inventory
- Verify shipment contents
- Reconcile weights
- Detect discrepancies
Container Shipping
- Max gross weight limits
- Tare eats into payload capacity
- Important for load planning
Measuring Tare Weight
Direct Measurement
- Weigh empty container/packaging
- Record as tare weight
- Use for calculations
Standard Tare
- Use manufacturer’s listed weight
- Apply to all similar containers
- Common for pallets and containers
Calculated Tare
- Weigh full package (gross)
- Weigh contents (net)
- Calculate: Gross - Net = Tare
Tare Weight in Practice
On Shipping Labels
Some labels show tare:
Gross: 52 LBS
Tare: 7 LBS
Net: 45 LBS
Container Doors
Shipping containers display tare weight on the door:
TARE: 3,700 KG / 8,157 LBS
MAX GROSS: 30,480 KG
PAYLOAD: 26,780 KG
Commercial Invoice
Description: Auto Parts
Gross Weight: 850 kg
Tare Weight: 125 kg
Net Weight: 725 kg
Reducing Tare Weight
Benefits
- Lower shipping costs
- More product per shipment
- Environmental benefits
- Reduced packaging waste
Strategies
| Strategy | Savings |
|---|---|
| Right-size boxes | 10-30% |
| Lighter box materials | 10-20% |
| Optimized void fill | 5-15% |
| Lightweight pallets | 30-50% per pallet |
| Eliminate over-packaging | Varies |
Example Calculation
Before optimization:
- Net product: 100 lbs
- Tare: 15 lbs
- Gross: 115 lbs
- Shipping cost: $50
After optimization:
- Net product: 100 lbs
- Tare: 8 lbs
- Gross: 108 lbs
- Shipping cost: $46
Annual savings (1,000 shipments): $4,000
Scale Tare Function
Most shipping scales have a “tare” button:
- Place empty container on scale
- Press TARE button
- Scale reads 0
- Add product
- Scale shows net weight
This automatically subtracts the tare so you see net weight directly.
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