Net, gross and tare weight on shipping documents
Net weight is the goods without packaging. Cargo gross weight includes packaging; container tare is the empty container. Reconcile packed cargo, additional loading materials and container tare separately, and keep chargeable weight out of that calculation. Cambridge China Bridge can help buyers check these records with factories.
Define what each weight includes
HMRC defines net mass as the goods without packaging, and gross mass as goods plus packaging, excluding containers and other transport equipment. On a packing list, ask the supplier to explain whether each gross weight covers a carton, crate or complete pallet. A heading alone does not establish what was weighed.
Tare means the empty weight of the packaging or equipment being discussed. Carton tare and container tare describe different things. Ask for explicit labels rather than a column headed only ‘tare’.
| Term | What it covers | Buyer check |
|---|---|---|
| Net weight | Goods without packaging | Match the goods and quantities listed |
| Packed cargo gross weight | Goods and the stated packaging | Confirm whether pallets are already included |
| Packaging tare | Empty cartons, crates or other stated packaging | Use the same packing boundary as the gross weight |
| Container tare | Empty freight container | Match the tare record to the actual container |
| Packed container gross weight | Container and everything loaded inside it | Include loading materials without counting them twice |
Reconcile the packing list from the goods upwards
For the same goods and packing boundary, net weight plus packaging tare equals packed gross weight. Add the actual package weights to build the shipment total. If using a per-package weight, check that the packages have identical contents and packing; separate mixed cartons, spare parts and differently packed goods.
Next, add any pallets, wrapping or crates omitted from those package weights. If a pallet weight already includes its cartons, do not add the carton weights again. Use the customs documents guide for the wider document checklist.
Keep the container total separate
To reconcile a loaded container, start with the packed cargo total, add loading and securing materials not already included, then add the actual container tare. Subtracting container tare from the loaded total leaves everything inside, including packaging and securing materials. It does not give the goods’ net weight.
The UK container-verification guidance describes weighing the packed and sealed container. Ask the forwarder for the verified container weight record, its container reference and the weighing basis. Compare that record with your component total, and use the container loading check guide for loading checks.
Do not substitute chargeable weight
Chargeable weight is the basis used to calculate a freight charge. Depending on the service, it may reflect actual weight, a calculation from dimensions, or a minimum charge. Ask the forwarder to identify the basis on the quotation and invoice. Keep it in a separate field from physical net, gross and tare weights.
A freight billing figure cannot explain how much packaging or cargo is physically present. Reconcile the physical records first, then check the freight calculation separately. The sea versus air freight guide covers the wider transport choice.
Resolve discrepancies before approving documents
Ask the factory for the final packing list, package identities, weighing records and a breakdown of included packaging. Ask the forwarder which physical weight its transport document records. Compare the same goods, packing stage and units; check for repacking, omitted pallets, duplicated totals and estimates carried over from the quotation.
If the totals disagree, request an explanation and a corrected document from whoever issued it. Do not change a figure merely to make the documents match. Keep the original, correction and weighing evidence together. Cambridge China Bridge’s staff in China can help obtain factory records and clarify what was packed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between net and gross weight?
Net weight excludes packaging. Cargo gross weight includes packaging but excludes the freight container. Confirm whether the packing-list total includes pallets and crates.
Does gross weight include container tare?
Cargo gross weight excludes the freight container. Packed container gross weight includes it. Ask which total the document records before comparing figures.
Can I subtract container tare to get net weight?
Subtracting container tare leaves everything inside the container, including packaging and securing materials. Those weights still need separating to establish goods net weight.
Is chargeable weight the same as gross weight?
They may coincide, but chargeable weight is a freight billing basis and can depend on dimensions or a minimum charge. Use physical weighing records to reconcile goods and packaging.