Tare, Net, and Gross Weight in Shipping
A single shipment can carry several different weight figures, each correct for a different purpose. The net weight shown on a Commercial Invoice, the gross weight on a Packing List or Bill of Lading, the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of a packed container, and the weight recorded for customs or road transport may not include the same components.
Errors begin when one figure is copied into the wrong document or compared without confirming its basis. This can lead to document amendments, VGM rejection, overweight handling issues, or delays in loading and cargo release. This guide explains how tare weight, net weight and gross weight are calculated, how cargo gross weight differs from VGM, and what to check before approving shipping documents. To explore our full service scope, visit our Shipping to Oman page.
Table of Contents
What Are Tare, Net and Gross Weight?
Net weight is the weight of the goods themselves. It excludes packaging, pallets, containers and transport equipment.
Tare weight is the weight of an empty item used to contain or transport the goods. Depending on the context, it may refer to an empty carton, pallet, drum, container, truck, trailer or air-cargo ULD. For this reason, it is important to identify exactly which tare weight is being used.
Gross weight is the combined weight of the goods and the relevant packaging or equipment. On a Packing List, it commonly means the product plus cartons, bags, pallets or other packing materials. In another context, it may refer to a packed container or loaded vehicle.
For the same package, container or transport unit, the basic relationships are:
• Gross Weight = Net Weight + Tare Weight
• Net Weight = Gross Weight − Tare Weight
• Tare Weight = Gross Weight − Net Weight
These formulas are only reliable when every figure refers to the same package, equipment or weight basis.
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One Shipment Can Have More Than One Gross Weight
The same shipment may have several gross-weight figures, each serving a different purpose. A Packing List may show the weight of the goods plus packaging and pallets. A Bill of Lading may record gross cargo weight according to the carrier’s instructions. VGM includes the packed cargo, securing materials and container tare. A weighbridge ticket may show an even higher figure when the truck, trailer or chassis is included.
These figures are not automatically inconsistent. The key question is what each number includes and where it will be used.
A weight figure may be correct for one document and still be wrong for another.
Discrepancies usually arise when figures are copied between documents without first confirming their basis.
Cargo Gross Weight and VGM Are Not the Same
Cargo gross weight generally means the weight of the goods plus their normal packaging, including cartons, bags, drums, crates and pallets. In most shipping documents, it does not include the empty weight of the container unless the carrier or form instructions state otherwise.
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is the verified weight of the complete packed container. It includes:
• The goods
• Packaging and pallets
• Dunnage
• Securing materials
• The tare weight of the actual container
Under SOLAS requirements, VGM must be submitted before a packed container is loaded onto a vessel.
Using cargo gross weight as VGM understates the packed-container mass because the container tare and securing materials are missing. The opposite mistake can occur when the container tare is already included in a figure and is then added again during the VGM calculation.
Before submitting either number, confirm exactly what it includes. Cargo gross weight normally describes the packed cargo, while VGM applies to the complete loaded container.
How to Calculate Shipping Weights Correctly
Assume a shipment contains:
• Goods: 18,000 kg
• Packaging and pallets: 800 kg
• Dunnage and securing materials: 100 kg
• Container tare: 2,350 kg
The calculation is:
• Net Weight: 18,000 kg
• Cargo Gross Weight: 18,000 + 800 = 18,800 kg
• Packed cargo including securing materials: 18,800 + 100 = 18,900 kg
• VGM: 18,900 + 2,350 = 21,250 kg
The 18,800 kg figure may be used as the packed cargo gross weight on a Packing List or Bill of Lading, depending on the carrier’s instructions. The 21,250 kg figure is the VGM because it includes the cargo, packaging, securing materials and tare of the actual container.
In this example, the 100 kg represents container-level dunnage and securing materials. Whether similar materials are included in another cargo-weight field depends on the document and carrier instructions.
Always use the tare weight of the specific container being shipped. Estimated figures should also be replaced with final weights after packing and securing are complete. Cargo gross weight and VGM should never be treated as interchangeable.
Maximum Payload, Maximum Gross and Actual Weight
Container markings normally show several different limits, and none should be confused with the actual weight of the current shipment.
Container tare weight is the empty weight of the container.
Maximum payload is the highest cargo weight the container is designed to carry.
Maximum gross weight is the maximum permitted combined weight of the container and its contents.
The relationship is:
Maximum Gross Weight = Container Tare Weight + Maximum Payload
These figures describe the container’s technical capacity. They do not show how much a specific shipment actually weighs. The actual packed cargo weight is the weight of the goods and their packaging for that shipment. Once the complete packed-container mass has been verified, that separate figure is reported as the VGM.
A container may remain below its stated maximum gross weight and still face operational restrictions. Road axle limits, truck capacity, terminal rules, carrier requirements and local route restrictions may impose a lower limit. Always check the actual container plate, carrier data and restrictions applying to the complete transport route.
The table below summarizes what each main shipping weight figure includes and where it is commonly used.
| Shipping Weight Types | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Type | What It Includes | What It Excludes | Common Use |
| Net Weight | The goods or product only | Packaging, pallets, containers and transport equipment | Commercial Invoice and Packing List |
| Cargo Gross Weight | Goods, cartons, bags, crates, drums, pallets and normal cargo packaging | Container tare, truck, trailer and chassis | Packing List and Bill of Lading |
| Container Tare Weight | The empty container | Cargo, packaging, dunnage and securing materials | Container identification, equipment records and VGM calculation |
| VGM | Cargo, packaging, pallets, dunnage, securing materials and container tare | Truck, trailer and chassis | SOLAS VGM submission |
| Maximum Payload | The maximum permitted cargo weight inside the container | Container tare | Capacity planning and loading checks |
| Maximum Gross Weight | Container tare plus maximum payload | Truck, trailer and chassis | Container technical or legal limit |
| Loaded Vehicle or Combination Weight | Vehicle, trailer or chassis, equipment and cargo, depending on the weighing setup | A separate cargo-only figure | Road transport and weighbridge records |
These figures should not be copied from one document or process to another without checking their basis. Cargo gross weight, VGM and loaded vehicle weight may all be correct for the same shipment while representing different totals.
Which Weight Is Used in Each Shipping Document?
The correct figure depends on the document, transport mode and carrier or customs instructions. Before entering a number, confirm what the field is intended to represent.
| Weight Use by Document | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Document or Process | Common Weight Figure | What It Usually Includes | Main Check |
| Commercial Invoice | Net Weight and sometimes Gross Weight | Product only, or product plus packing where requested | Match the quantity and unit basis |
| Packing List | Net Weight and Cargo Gross Weight | Goods, packaging, cartons, bags and pallets | Line-item totals must equal the final totals |
| Bill of Lading | Usually Gross Cargo Weight | Packed cargo, normally excluding container tare | Confirm the carrier’s definition |
| Customs Declaration | Declared cargo weight | Based on local customs requirements | Match the supporting documents |
| VGM Submission | Packed container gross mass | Cargo, packaging, securing materials and container tare | Do not submit Cargo Gross Weight alone |
| Weighbridge Ticket | Loaded and empty vehicle weights | Vehicle, trailer, chassis, equipment and cargo | Separate vehicle weight from cargo weight |
| Air Waybill | Actual Gross Weight | The actual packed shipment | Do not confuse it with Chargeable Weight |
A figure that is correct on a Packing List may not be correct for a VGM submission or weighbridge record. Requirements may also vary by carrier, customs authority, trade lane and transport mode, so the field definition should always be checked before approval.
Weight Differences Across Sea, Air and Road Freight
Weight terminology varies between transport modes, so a figure should not be reused without confirming its purpose.
In sea freight, distinguish cargo gross weight from VGM and check the container’s tare, maximum payload and maximum gross limits.
In air freight, actual gross weight is the physical weight of the packed shipment. Volumetric weight is calculated from the shipment’s dimensions, while chargeable weight is generally the higher of actual gross weight and volumetric weight. Chargeable weight is used for pricing and does not replace the shipment’s actual weight in cargo documents.
In road freight, the calculation may involve cargo weight, vehicle tare, loaded vehicle or combination weight, trailer weight and axle limits. A weighbridge result may include the truck, trailer, chassis, equipment and cargo. The cargo-only weight must therefore be separated before it is compared with shipping documents. Vehicle-weight terminology varies by jurisdiction and vehicle configuration.
Common Weight Mistakes in Shipping Documents
Weight errors often occur when figures are copied between documents without checking what they include. Common mistakes include:
• Gross weight is lower than net weight.
• Packaging, pallet or dunnage weight is missing.
• Container tare is added twice.
• Cargo gross weight is submitted as VGM.
• The tare weight of a similar container is used instead of the actual container.
• Cargo weight or VGM exceeds the relevant container limit.
• The Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading and customs records show unexplained differences.
• Kilograms, pounds or metric tonnes are converted incorrectly.
• Estimated weights are not updated after final packing.
A mismatch does not always mean that a weight is incorrect, but it must be understood and explained. Before changing a document, confirm whether each figure refers to net cargo, packed cargo, VGM or a loaded vehicle.
What to Check Before Approving Shipping Documents
Before approving the documents, confirm that every weight figure has been calculated on the correct basis and entered in the correct field.
• Add all net-weight line items and compare the result with the total net weight.
• Add all gross-weight line items and compare the result with the final gross weight.
• Confirm that gross weight is equal to or higher than net weight.
• Check whether the difference between net and gross weight is realistic for the packaging and pallets used.
• Compare package counts, weight per package and total weight across the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading and customs data.
• Verify the container tare against the actual container number.
• Confirm that VGM includes the goods, packaging, pallets, dunnage, securing materials and container tare.
• Make sure the container tare has not been added twice.
• Compare VGM with the container’s maximum gross weight.
• Compare cargo weight with the maximum payload.
• Check that kilograms, pounds and metric tonnes have been entered and converted correctly.
• Confirm that estimated figures were replaced with final weights after packing.
• Review road, axle, truck, terminal and route limits where applicable.
• Follow the carrier’s field definitions, cut-off times and submission instructions.
Do not approve a weight figure simply because it appears reasonable. Confirm what it includes and where it will be used.
FAQs
What is the difference between gross weight, net weight, and tare weight?
Net weight is the weight of the goods only. Tare weight is the weight of the empty packaging, container, vehicle or other equipment being measured. Gross weight is the combined weight of the goods and the relevant tare or packing weight.
Does gross weight include the container?
It depends on the context. Cargo gross weight usually includes the goods and packaging but excludes container tare. VGM includes the packed cargo, securing materials and tare weight of the actual container.
Is VGM the same as the gross weight on a Packing List?
Usually not. Packing List gross weight normally refers to the goods plus packaging and pallets. VGM is the verified weight of the complete packed container, including cargo, packaging, dunnage, securing materials and container tare.
How can I find the tare weight of a container?
Check the tare marking on the actual container or confirm the figure through the carrier’s equipment data. Where applicable, also review the container data plate. Do not use the tare weight of another container, even if it is the same type and size.
Can a container remain within its maximum gross weight and still be rejected?
Yes. The container may remain within its technical limit but still exceed road axle limits, truck capacity, terminal restrictions, carrier requirements or route-specific limits.
References
Hapag-Lloyd AG. (n.d.). 20′ standard. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/services-information/cargo-fleet/container/20-standard.html
International Air Transport Association. (2025). European Air Cargo Programme (EACP) handbook (23rd ed.). https://www.iata.org/contentassets/e9cb5a72b88f4f68a5cfc572a50b60c9/eacph-en-final.pdf
International Maritime Organization. (2014a, November 21). Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended (Resolution MSC.380(94)). https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/KnowledgeCentre/IndexofIMOResolutions/MSCResolutions/MSC.380%2894%29.pdf
International Maritime Organization. (2014b, June 9). Guidelines regarding the verified gross mass of a container carrying cargo (MSC.1/Circ.1475). https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/OurWork/Safety/Documents/MSC.1%20Circ.1475.pdf
International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization, & United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. (2014). IMO/ILO/UNECE code of practice for packing of cargo transport units (CTU Code).https://unece.org/DAM/trans/doc/2014/wp24/CTU_Code_January_2014.pdf
United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business. (2016). Cross industry invoicing process (Version 2.0.6). https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/uncefact/BRS/BRS_CII_v2.0.6.pdf
United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business. (2020). Cross industry export packing list process (Version 1.0). https://unece.org/trade/documents/2020/10/brs-cross-industry-export-packing-list-process