Understanding the weight of a shipping container is essential for safe and cost-effective international shipping.
Understanding the weight of a shipping container is essential for safe and cost-effective international shipping. Whether you’re managing eCommerce fulfillment, overseas motorcycle shipping, or industrial freight transport, the tare, gross, and payload weights of containers directly affect compliance, costs, and logistics planning.
In this expert guide, Daguer Logistics breaks down the fundamentals of container weights, their real-world implications, and how to calculate total freight mass accurately. We also explore why container weighing is required and how to verify container weight for international compliance.
The empty weight of a container is known as its tare weight. Here’s a breakdown of the average tare weights:
The exact tare weight is printed on each container’s door panel and can vary based on the manufacturer, age, and material composition of the container.
Tare weight (aka unladen weight) is the empty weight of the container, excluding any cargo, fuel, or added materials.
Gross weight is the total combined weight of the container and its contents. It is calculated as:
Gross Weight = Tare Weight + Payload
This figure is critical for freight pricing, ship and truck loading, and regulatory compliance.
Payload is the maximum amount of cargo that can be loaded into a container. The payload is determined by subtracting the tare weight from the maximum gross weight.
For example:
· A 20ft reefer container has a max payload of 27,510 kg or 60,650 lbs
· A 40ft high cube container can carry a payload of up to 28,000 kg or 61,729 lbs
Let’s take a look at a fully loaded 40ft high cube container:
· Tare weight: 9,300 lbs
· Payload: 61,000 lbs
· Gross weight: 70,300 lbs
This is well within standard weight limits for most international carriers, but exceeding it could result in penalties, rejected bookings, or safety issues during loading.
Overloaded containers can tip cranes, cause truck accidents, or destabilize cargo ships. The IMO's Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirement was introduced to reduce such risks.
Inaccurate or falsified weight declarations can lead to:
· Fines and legal penalties
· Shipment delays or rejections
· Vessel re-stowage costs
Shipping rates are determined in part by weight. Knowing exact container weights allows for more accurate budgeting and prevents cost overruns.
In 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandated that all export containers must have a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) before being loaded onto a vessel.
This rule was put in place after numerous accidents caused by overloaded containers. The purpose of VGM is to enhance maritime safety and ensure weight uniformity across global shipping.
Both methods require a certified scale and a signed document from the shipper or authorized party.
Daguer Logistics assists clients in securing VGM documentation for all international shipments.
Weighing a loaded container can be logistically challenging but is essential for compliance and operational efficiency.
Common Methods Include:
Drive the loaded truck over a weighbridge and subtract the truck's tare weight.
Use container jack systems designed to lift and weigh containers directly on the ground.
These are used to weigh containers during crane lifts.
For port and terminal use, some equipment includes built-in weight sensors.
Many depots have installed scales for container drop-offs or pickups.
We support clients shipping:
· E-commerce goods
· Consumer products
· Automotive parts
· Industrial equipment
· Palletized freight
Whether you're shipping containers domestically, to Mexico, or overseas, we ensure your operations are VGM-compliant, cost-efficient, and risk-free.
Understanding how much an empty shipping container weighs is only the beginning. For compliance, budgeting, and operational efficiency, accurate tare, gross, and payload weights must be part of your shipping strategy.
At Daguer Logistics, we help ecommerce brands, manufacturers, and global exporters navigate the technicalities of international shipping. From container selection to verified gross mass documentation, we make sure your goods move efficiently and safely across the globe.
It typically weighs between 3,970 and 4,850 lbs (1.8 – 2.2 metric tonnes).
Gross weight for 40ft containers typically maxes out at around 67,200 lbs.
It's required by the IMO and enforced in many countries to avoid loading imbalances and ensure safety.
Use truck scales, ground jacks, crane load cells, or built-in terminal systems.
Yes. We assist clients with official VGM submissions and documentation worldwide.
