Tare weight is the weight of an empty container, trailer, vehicle, pallet, or packaging before cargo is added. It is used to calculate the net weight of the goods by subtracting the empty equipment weight from the total gross weight. In shipping and logistics, tare weight is important for freight pricing, customs declarations, container loading, road weight limits, and safe cargo handling. For example, the tare weight of a container helps determine how much cargo can legally and safely be loaded.
Tare weight is the weight of the empty container, pallet, packaging, or vehicle without any cargo. Net weight equals gross weight minus tare weight. In ocean freight, the tare weight of the container must be added to the cargo weight to calculate the Verified Gross Mass (VGM).
- Container tare weight is marked on the container door panel
- VGM = cargo weight + packing materials weight + container tare weight
- Accurate tare weight is important for road weight compliance and vessel stability
- Pallet tare weight must be deducted when calculating net cargo weight for insurance or sales purposes
For related logistics context, see glossary entries on Container, Packing List, FCL, and LCL.
