Technical Information > Gross Weight – Total Weight (Tare + Payload)

Gross Weight – Total Weight (Tare + Payload)

Gross Weight is a key figure in logistics, freight transport, and international trade that expresses the sum of all the weight of goods being transported, including all packaging materials, pallets, containers, and other auxiliary equipment. In other words, it is the actual weight that the transport vehicle (ship, train, truck, or airplane) must carry.

Basic formula:

Gross Weight = Net Weight + Tare Weight

Gross Weight is always higher than the net weight of the goods alone, because it includes all elements needed for packaging, protection, and handling of goods. In container transport, this also includes the empty container itself.

Basic Concepts: Net Weight, Tare, and Gross Weight

To properly understand gross weight, it is essential to distinguish between three basic concepts that are listed on containers and in transport documents:

Designation	Meaning
Net Weight	Weight of the product alone without packaging
Tare	Weight of empty packaging (including container, pallets, boxes)
Gross Weight	Total weight of product, packaging, and handling equipment

1. Net Weight (“NET”)

Indicates only the weight of the product itself.
In food industry, for example, it is the net weight of the contents of a can without the tin.
In industry, it is the weight of material without pallets, boxes, and protective packaging.
For commercial purposes (e.g., customs, VAT, sale by weight), net weight is essential.

2. TARE

Indicates the weight of the empty packaging container.
For containers, it is the weight of the empty container (stated on the doors).
Also includes pallets, wooden crates, protective films, and other handling aids.
Optimization of tare (lighter packaging) leads to reduced transport costs.

3. Gross Weight (“MAX. GR” or “M.G.W.”)

Sum of net weight of goods and tare.
Key figure for transport billing and safety during handling.

Example of marking on container doors:

Abbreviation	Meaning	Typical Data (20′ container)
MAX. GR	Maximum gross weight	30,480 kg
TARE	Tare (empty container)	2,250 kg
NET	Maximum net weight of cargo	28,230 kg

Types of Containers and Their Weight Limits

Different types of containers have different structural weights (tare) and maximum permitted gross weights. These limits must be strictly observed – both for safety and for legal requirements.

Overview of Main Container Types

Container Type	Internal Dimensions (L × W × H, m)	Tare (kg)	MAX. GR (kg)	Max. Useful Load (NET, kg)	Volume (m³)
20′ Standard	5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39	2,250	30,480	28,230	33.2
40′ Standard	12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39	3,780	30,480	26,700	67.7
40′ High Cube	12.03 × 2.35 × 2.70	4,020	30,480	26,460	76.3
20′ Refrigerated (reefer)	5.53 × 2.32 × 2.33	3,030	30,480	27,450	29.9
40′ Refrigerated (reefer)	11.56 × 2.29 × 2.26	4,600	34,000	29,400	60.0

Note: The stated values may vary slightly among individual manufacturers.

Why is Accurate Determination of Gross Weight Essential?

1. Operational Safety

Overloading a container leads to damage to the floor, doors, and structure.
Incorrect weight distribution can cause vehicle or container tipping and damage to equipment during handling.
Weight must be evenly distributed across the entire length and width of the container floor.
Overloading is a major cause of crane, forklift, and ship accidents.

2. Legislation and Control

Gross weight must not exceed the value marked on the container (MAX. GR).
In road transport in the Czech Republic and EU, a maximum permitted limit is set – for example, for a truck with trailer including cargo of 40 tons.
Exceeding weight results in fines, cargo detention, transport rescheduling, and operational suspension.

3. Transport Billing

Carriers charge for transport according to “chargeable weight” – that is, according to the higher value of gross weight and volumetric weight.
For light but bulky goods (e.g., polystyrene, textiles), the so-called volumetric (volumetric) weight applies.
For heavy goods (e.g., metal products, raw materials), the actual gross weight is decisive.

4. SOLAS Regulations and VGM Verification

Since 2016, it is mandatory for maritime containers to provide so-called Verified Gross Mass (VGM) – verified gross weight of the container.
Without VGM, the container cannot be loaded onto a ship (see chapter below).

Weight Data Marking on Containers

Every maritime container must be marked with legible data according to ISO standards:

MAX. GR (Maximum Gross Weight) – maximum permitted gross weight (container + cargo)
TARE (Tare Weight) – weight of empty container
NET or PAYLOAD (Net Weight) – maximum net weight of cargo (what can be loaded)
CU. CAP. (Cubic Capacity) – internal volume in m³

Practical example of marking on doors:

			
MAX. GROSS:   30,480 KG  
TARE:          2,250 KG  
NET:          28,230 KG  
CU. CAP.:     33.2 CU.M.

Examples of Gross Weight Calculation in Practice

Example 1 – Export of Pallets with Goods in 20′ Container

Number of pallets: 10
Net weight of goods per pallet: 900 kg
Weight of one pallet + packaging: 30 kg
Tare of 20′ container: 2,250 kg

Calculation:

Total net weight: 10 × 900 = 9,000 kg
Total weight of pallets and packaging: 10 × 30 = 300 kg
Container tare: 2,250 kg
Total weight of shipment: 9,000 (goods) + 300 (pallets) + 2,250 (container) = 11,550 kg

Example 2 – Physical Limits of Container

MAX. GR of 20′ container: 30,480 kg
Tare: 2,250 kg
Maximum net weight of cargo: 28,230 kg

If the net weight of goods and packaging exceeds 28,230 kg, the container cannot be properly loaded (overloading would occur).

Verified Gross Mass (VGM) – Verified Gross Weight of Container

The responsibility for correct determination and declaration of gross weight always rests with the shipper. Under IMO SOLAS regulations, since July 1, 2016, it is mandatory to provide so-called Verified Gross Mass (VGM) – verified gross weight of each container.

Methods of Determining VGM:

Method 1: Weighing the entire loaded and sealed container on a calibrated scale.
Method 2: Sum of weight of individual cargo items + all packaging materials + container tare (must be certified).

VGM = Weight of goods + weight of packaging + weight of pallets + weight of empty container (TARE)

Without valid VGM, the container cannot be loaded onto a ship (port terminals will refuse to accept it).
VGM is a mandatory figure in transport documents (Bill of Lading, cargo manifests).

Difference Between Gross Weight, Net Weight, and Tare – Practical Scenarios

Example	Net Weight	Tare (packaging)	Tare (container)	Gross Weight
Can (tin)	400 g (contents)	50 g (tin)	–	450 g
Pallet with electronics	800 kg (goods)	25 kg (pallet + packaging)	–	825 kg
20′ container with goods	20,000 kg (goods)	300 kg (pallets, packaging)	2,250 kg	22,550 kg

Most Common Errors and Misconceptions

Confusion of concepts: Gross weight ≠ net weight! For transport and billing, gross weight is always essential.
Underestimation of tare: With heavy or bulky packaging, tare can form a significant part of gross weight (e.g., wooden crates, special fastening, pallets).
Incorrect cargo distribution: Uneven weight distribution in the container leads to floor damage or loss of stability.
Incorrect declarations: Incorrectly declared weight can result in fines, shipment delays, or transport refusal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum gross weight of a 20′ container?

Standard 30,480 kg (including tare), net cargo approximately 28,230 kg.

Where can I find MAX. GROSS, TARE, and NET values?

Directly on the doors of each container on a yellow label.

Why is VGM required?

For transport safety – incorrectly declared weight is a common cause of accidents.

How to reduce transport costs?

By optimizing tare – using lighter packaging materials and efficient packing.

What happens if gross weight is exceeded?

The container will not be accepted for transport, fines and delays will occur.

Czech Republic, Hodonín