Definition
The weight of the goods alone, excluding packaging and pallets. Declared on invoices and customs documents alongside gross weight.
See it in practice
Related terms in Units & measures
CBM (Cubic Meter)
The standard volume unit in freight: length × width × height in meters. LCL ocean rates and many road quotes are priced per CBM.
Volumetric weight
A billing weight derived from package volume (L × W × H ÷ divisor). Carriers charge the higher of actual and volumetric weight.
Chargeable weight
The weight a carrier actually bills: the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight.
Gross weight
The total weight of a shipment including the product, packaging, pallet and protective material — the figure customs and carriers use for limits and pricing.
Tare weight
The empty weight of a container or vehicle. Gross weight minus tare weight gives the cargo (payload) weight.
TEU
Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit — the standard measure of container capacity. A 40-foot container equals 2 TEU.