What Is Gross Weight? How To Reduce Gw And Compare With Net Weight?

1. What is Gross Weight?

What is gross weight? This is a concept abbreviated as G.W. It means the total weight of a shipment, including the weight of the product and the weight of the packaging. This definition is quite important in logistics and is often mentioned in freight transportation.

For example, let's say you have a package packaged in a carton. When weighed, the package weighed 100 kg. Previously, you weighed the carton separately and knew it weighed 5kg. So the gross weight in this case is 100kg.

Some other similar quantities you should know include:

• Volume Weight (VW):
  • Is the weight converted from the size of the package?
  • Shows the amount of space the goods take up on the vehicle.
• Chargeable Weight (CW):
  • Is the weight needed to calculate shipping charges?

2. Compare the concepts of Gross Wieght and Net Weight

Net weight, also known as "net weight" (abbreviated as NW), is the specific weight of the product, not including the weight of the packaging, box, or any other packaging material. These two concepts differ only in their packaging. When importing goods in large quantities, you should ask the supplier to clearly state GW and NW on the packing list and commercial invoice. You should choose reputable shipping services to ensure accuracy in calculating shipping costs.

3. What is the meaning of gross weight for the transportation industry today?

What is gross weight? Gross weight, also known as total weight, plays an extremely important role in today's transportation industry. This is a key factor that affects many aspects, including:

3.1. Gross weight for trucks

Gross weight is an important parameter for each truck, representing the maximum total weight the vehicle is allowed to carry. Simply put, this is the maximum load level that the vehicle can safely carry, ensuring efficient operation and compliance with traffic laws.

Each type of truck will have a different gross weight level, depending on many factors such as design, structure, engine, suspension system, etc. Normally, each type of truck will have a separate load level. , so the maximum allowable weight for transport is also different. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to clearly understand the gross weight value of each type of vehicle. Because it is possible to avoid traffic law violations, ensure safety in transportation, and protect the vehicle for long-term use...

For example: an Isuzu 1t4 truck or an Isuzu 1t9 truck will have a total allowable tonnage of up to 2t5 or up to 2t9. This number is understood as the gross weight that everyone needs to understand. Because when you clearly understand this, you will not violate the laws on overloading while participating in traffic.

3.2. Gross weight for container trucks

After learning what gross weight is, we invite you to learn what it means for containers. Gross weight only includes the maximum weight of the container and the goods inside, specifically excluding the weight of the trailer.

• 20-foot containers:
  • The maximum cargo capacity is usually 25 tons.
  • Some shipping lines allow cargo exceeding 25 tons (maximum 27 tons) with the condition of paying an additional fee or signing an LOI.
  • Common Gross Weight: 25–27 tons.
• 40-foot container:
  • Transporting bulky goods.
  • Capacity is about 67 cubic meters (CBM).
  • Load capacity according to technical design: 30 tons.
  • Gross weight may vary due to the shipping company's design and regulations.

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4. How to calculate gross weight in detail

In addition to the two familiar concepts of net weight and gross weight, customers also need to know the concepts of volume weight and chargeable weight.

• Chargeable Weight: Is the weight used to calculate freight charges?
• Volume Weight: Is the weight calculated based on the size of the package?

The purpose is to ensure fairness in calculating freight for goods that are large in size but light in weight.

• Formula to calculate volume weight:
  • Volume Weight (VW) = (Length x Width x Height) / 6000
• Formula to calculate gross weight:
  • Gross Weight (GW) = Net Weight + Packaging Volume

5. How to ensure the lowest gross weight?

Gross weight plays an important role in determining shipping costs. The more you reduce this weight, the more you will save on freight costs. Since the product itself has a fixed weight, the only way to reduce its gross weight is to optimize packaging.

For delivery goods, people usually use air bubble film or foam film to protect the product from scratches during transportation. Then, the product is placed in a carton to facilitate arrangement and ensure safety, avoiding direct contact with other packages. However, you can refer to other packaging specifications suitable for each type of product to optimize packaging weight.

• Make sure the parcel is carefully packaged before shipping.
• Use suitable packaging materials that can withstand impact during transportation.
• Fill the gaps in the box with packing material to limit product movement.
• Use strong tape to secure the parcel. Avoid using rope or other unsecured materials.
• Careful packaging helps protect the product during transportation, avoiding loss and damage.
• Use professional packing services if you need to transport important or fragile items.

For special shipping methods, such as air or sea, some shop owners may apply additional reinforcement with adhesive tape. Adding this layer of tape helps secure the goods, ensuring they are tightly packed inside the box. This minimizes the risk of small parts falling during transportation, especially when you send items with many separate parts.

6. How to minimize packaging weight while still ensuring requirements and safety of goods?

Although you have optimized the weight of the packaging, you also need to ensure safety and compliance with the requirements of freight regulations. Below are ways to help you satisfy the above requirements.

6.1. Choose packaging suitable for each type of goods

Choosing the right packaging plays an important role in protecting products and optimizing the transportation process. It is necessary to consider what materials will be used and how to use them. Using cardboard boxes is a popular and convenient solution.

6.2. Note the choice of packaging materials

Depending on the different types of goods, different materials will be chosen. You can choose between bubble wrap, thick foam wrap, or cardboard to wrap your goods. To pack goods, use cartons or bags with PE or PVC wrap.

Above is the information that Dolphin Sea Air brings to you to answer the question of what is gross weight. We are ready to assist you with all questions about gross weight and issues related to freight transportation. Please contact us for the best advice and support!

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