Gross weight, net weight and tare weight
Three weight figures can all be correct for the same shipment. Trouble starts when a figure is copied into a field that measures something else, especially when cargo gross weight is mistaken for the verified gross mass of a packed container.
Net weight is the goods without packaging. Cargo gross weight is the goods plus their immediate and shipping packaging. Container tare is the empty container. For a packed container, VGM includes the cargo, packages, pallets, dunnage and securing material plus the container tare.
| Measure | Includes | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Net weight | The goods themselves | Invoice, packing list and product records |
| Cargo gross weight | Goods plus cartons, crates, pallets and other cargo packaging | Packing list and booking details |
| Container tare | The empty container | Container door marking and VGM calculation |
| Verified gross mass | Packed cargo and securing material plus container tare | Container loading and vessel stowage |
| Chargeable weight | A rating figure based on actual or dimensional weight | Freight charge calculation, especially air |
A worked container example
Suppose the goods weigh 8,000 kg net. Cartons and pallets add 600 kg, making cargo gross weight 8,600 kg. Dunnage and securing material add 100 kg, and the container tare is 2,300 kg. The method-two VGM is 11,000 kg, subject to the certified method approved in the place of packing.
Why the totals differ between documents
A commercial invoice may focus on product-level net and gross weights. A packing list can show package-level weight. A VGM declaration measures the complete packed container. The numbers should reconcile, but they should not be identical when the definitions include different things.
Use the unit every time
State kilograms or pounds beside the value and use one unit consistently within a total. A bare number is unsafe because the difference between kilograms and pounds is large enough to disrupt bookings and stowage.
+Does gross weight include the shipping container?
Cargo gross weight usually does not. VGM for a packed container does include container tare. Label the figure clearly instead of relying on the word gross alone.
+Can I calculate VGM from the packing list?
Only when the component masses cover all cargo, packages, pallets, dunnage and securing material, the container tare is added, and the method is certified as required where packing took place.
Requirements vary by country and shipment. These primary references support the general guidance above.