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Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 24/2026
Net, tare and gross weight are three basic concepts in weighing and declaring goods. The core formula: Gross = Net + Tare. Getting them right ensures accurate shipping declarations, correct freight and proper load control for pallets and containers.
The three weights compared
| Type | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Net | The goods alone, no packaging | 900 kg of goods |
| Tare | Empty packaging, pallet, container | 20 kg pallet + 5 kg film/box |
| Gross | Net + Tare | 925 kg |
Use in palletizing and containers
When palletizing, tare weight includes the pallet, stretch film, edge protectors and cartons. A loaded pallet’s gross weight must stay within the pallet’s dynamic load and the forklift’s capacity. For containers, the empty container has a tare too (printed on it); goods plus tare must not exceed the container’s max gross.
20-40ft container tare
| Container | Tare (empty) | Max gross (ref.) |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | ~2,300 kg | ~30,480 kg |
| 40ft standard | ~3,750 kg | ~30,480 kg |
| 40ft high cube (HC) | ~3,900 kg | ~30,480 kg |
The figures printed on the container door are authoritative; max cargo weight = max gross minus tare.
Why the distinction matters
Misdeclaring weight can lead to fines, wrong freight (charged by gross or volumetric weight) and overloaded containers/trucks that are unsafe. The VGM (Verified Gross Mass) rule requires declaring a container’s verified gross weight before loading - which is the gross of the whole container.
Optimise payload with ICD
Choosing light-but-strong pallets and packaging lowers tare and raises payload per trip. ICD supplies weight-optimised plastic pallets, wooden pallets and packaging and advises on stacking to maximise payload within the container’s max gross.
More on stretch film & wrapping
Topic pillar
In-depth analysis articles
| › What is pre-stretch? | › How to choose stretch film |
| › How to operate a pallet wrapper | › Choosing an automatic pallet wrapper |
| › PE film packaging terms | › What is a unit load? |
Frequently asked questions
How do tare, net and gross weight differ?
Net is the goods alone; tare is empty packaging/pallet/container; gross is both combined: Gross = Net + Tare.
What is the gross weight formula?
Gross = Net + Tare. For example, 900 kg of goods plus 25 kg of pallet and packaging gives a gross of 925 kg.
What is the tare of a 20ft container?
About 2,300 kg (printed on the container); a 40ft is ~3,750 kg, a 40ft HC ~3,900 kg. Max cargo = max gross minus tare.
What is a container’s max gross?
Commonly about 30,480 kg for both 20ft and 40ft (check the container); goods plus tare must not exceed it.
Is VGM the gross weight?
Yes - VGM is the verified gross weight of the whole container, which must be declared before loading on the vessel.
How do I raise payload per trip?
Use light-but-strong pallets and packaging to lower tare, so the net cargo within the max gross limit increases.
Contact ICD Vietnam
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd - pallets, plastic crates, stretch film, forklifts and packaging solutions.
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat on Zalo
