What is cargo weight?

What is cargo weight?

Cargo weight refers to the total mass of goods being transported in a truck, trailer, or freight vehicle. It is a critical factor in trucking and logistics and influences everything from a truck’s fuel efficiency to regulatory compliance. The better fleet managers understand cargo weight, the better they can optimize load distribution, help reduce overloading and promote safe transportation across their operation. 

In this glossary blog post, we will explore how to calculate cargo weight, the impact of cargo weight on logistics operations, and best practices to optimize regulatory compliance and efficiency related to cargo weight.

How to calculate cargo weight

Key metrics of cargo weight

To accurately determine cargo weight, you need to understand and calculate three key measurements: tare weight, net weight, and gross weight.

Tare weight

Tare weight refers to the weight of an empty vehicle or container before any cargo is loaded. Also called unladen weight, this measurement is vital to calculate how much additional weight a vehicle can safely carry without exceeding legal limits or weight restrictions.

Net weight

Net weight is the actual weight of only the cargo itself, excluding the weight of the vehicle, container, or any packaging. Sometimes called net mass or payload, this metric is determined by subtracting the tare weight and the weight of any packaging or pallets from the gross weight after the cargo has been loaded.

Gross weight

Gross weight is the total combined weight of the vehicle, cargo, fuel, pallets and any additional equipment. This is the total weight of the entire shipment and an important measurement for promoting compliance with state and federal weight regulations.

Cargo weight calculation example: 

To calculate cargo weight, subtract the tare weight (empty vehicle weight) and the weight of any packing materials from the gross weight (total loaded vehicle weight). The formula is:

Gross Weight - Tare Weight - Packing Materials Weight = Net Weight

Here’s an example of how to calculate cargo weight using this formula:

A truck has a tare weight of 30,000 pounds. After loading the cargo, pallets, and packaging materials, the gross weight is 75,000 pounds. 

75,000 lbs - 30,000 lbs = 45,000 lbs total cargo weight 

To calculate the net weight, subtract the 5,000 pounds of packaging materials and pallets:

Total cargo weight of 45,000 lbs - packaging and pallet weight of 5,000lbs = 40,000 lbs net weight

Impact of cargo weight on logistics operations

Fleet managers need to consider how cargo weight affects many aspects of their logistics operation, including load determination, route planning and overall cost management.

Load determination

Cargo weight directly affects a vehicle’s load distribution, which has a big impact on vehicle handling, braking efficiency, and overall road safety. Proper weight management also helps balance the truck, reducing wear and tear on tires and axles. In short, properly managing cargo weight across your fleet is key to keeping drivers safe and vehicles in good working order.

Route planning

When route planning, fleet managers must consider how cargo weight will affect their vehicles’ ability to cross bridges and roads that have weight restrictions. These weight rules must be followed for drivers to avoid fines or lengthy detours. The better fleet managers understand weight limits, the more efficiently they can organize routing and dispatching to reduce delays, minimize costs and optimize delivery times.

Cost management

Cargo weight has a significant impact on fleet management costs, including total cost of ownership and operational costs. Heavier cargo loads consume more fuel and lead to higher toll fees and vehicle maintenance expenses. Technology like telematics can help fleet managers optimize weight distribution across their fleet, maximize fuel efficiency and plan routes that minimize toll fees and potential delays.

Consequences of inaccurate weight declarations

Damage to goods

If you do not calculate your cargo weight correctly, it can cause improper load distribution and worse vehicle handling. Excessive weight can make a vehicle harder to steer and increase stopping distance, raising the risk of damaged goods during transit. Overweight cargo can also shift unexpectedly and crush stacked or stored containers and equipment inside a vehicle. Underweight cargo can also pose risks, as a lighter-than-expected trailer may not be loaded correctly and face stability problems in transit.

Legal repercussions

Overloaded trucks can violate transportation laws and weight limits on roads and bridges. This can lead to hefty fines, vehicle impoundment, and potential license suspension. It also increases the risk of damaging a bridge with an overloaded truck. Look out for weigh stations and roadside inspections that enforce these regulations to check if your vehicles are in compliance.

Economic factors influencing cargo weight

Weight limits and surcharges

Many shipping carriers impose weight-based surcharges, making it essential for logistics managers to factor in cargo weight when calculating transportation costs. Additionally, bridges and toll roads often charge higher fees for heavier vehicles. If you exceed designated weight limits, you can face additional fees that lower your profit margins.

Fuel efficiency and sustainability

Heavier cargo requires more fuel to move it. This increases overall fuel expenses and leads to higher carbon emissions, which can increase your tax burden in some areas. Fleet managers should balance cargo weight planning with fuel efficiency strategies, such as optimized routing and aerodynamic improvements. Adopting telematics solutions that improve fleet sustainability also tends to reduce operational costs.