What is Tare Weight?

Tare weight , sometimes called unladen weight, is the weight of an empty vehicle or container. By subtracting tare weight from gross weight (laden weight), one can determine the weight of the goods carried or contained (the net weight). Based on this calculation, the charges for the cargo is determined.

Key takeaways:

Tare weight is defined as the total weight of tractor and trailer when the vehicle is empty, meaning there is not any product in the trailer. Tare weight can also be called unladen weight.

Often times the tare weight is printed on intermodal container to help in the computation of the gross weight when loading the equipment.

Tare weight can be useful in computing the cost of the goods carried for purposes of taxation or for tolls related to barge, rail, road, or other traffic, especially where the toll will vary with the value of the goods carried.

The Difference Between Tare Weight and Gross Weight:

The tare weight is the weight of a container, like a truck or box. The weight of the material itself is the net weight. Once you add material to the container, the combination of the tare weight and the net weight is the gross weight.

How to calculate Tare Weight and Gross Weight?

Tare weight is calculated by deducting the gross (laden) weight as well as the weight of any products (net weight), resulting in only the weight of the container(s).

Gross weight, on the other hand, is the summation of all weights applicable to the industry or transportation mode.