Difference Between Net Weight vs Gross Weight

The world is what it is today, which means that it’s more developed and advanced compared to what it used to be a couple of centuries ago. One of the things that shows this fact can be seen in the ability to buy something online from any part of the world that has internet, make a payment for it online, and have it delivered to your doorstep.

There are a lot of things involved in this innovative and convenient commercial process, but for the time being, we will focus on the difference between net weight and gross weight.

If you wish to enjoy a stress-free shipping service, then you need to understand how weights work when it comes to shipping goods. Aside from helping you make the right decisions, this piece of information can help you determine the shipping cost of the goods you wish to be delivered to you.

Definition of Net Weight

Net weight is the total weight of a product excluding the weight of the packaging and other excesses. The word “net” serves as a definitive prefix which means a quantity that cannot be subtracted from. Examples include the weight of milk before being put in a container, body cream before being packaged, fish before being put in a tin, and so on.

If you are shipping an unpacked product, say raw materials, then you do not need to consider any extra measurements during shipment, but that may mean the consumer will not have their package delivered to them because sometimes, transport companies require that some goods be transported within their jurisdiction and packaged in a certain way. This may mean extra cost as well, but it also means that the package would arrive in one piece, and discretely, too.

Definition of Gross Weight

Gross weight is defined as the total weight of a certain packaged to be moved from one place to another. If you purchase a bottle of milk, for instance, the gross weight would be the weight of the actual bottle of milk you paid for as well as every other thing that comes with it, including the bottle and other forms of packaging.

Knowing this, we can say that the difference between gross and net weight is the packaging. In the former, you need to consider everything – the product, packaging, and all, whereas in the latter, you need to consider just the product.

How does this measurement apply to shipping? This type of weight is what the courier service will take into consideration when shipping your stuff regardless of what mode of transportation is in question.

Main Differences Between Net Weight vs Gross Weight

It is crucial to understand how these measurements work and how they affect shipments. Now that we are clear on the definition, let us take a look at other properties that constitute the net weight vs gross weight definition.

Difference Between Net Weight and Gross Weight: Conclusion

If you are looking to reduce the cost of shipping a package from one location to another, you can actually consider removing the package and shipping it off alone, so long as it is transportable and in one piece. This is a good tip for goods that come in packages that are quite heavy.

It is also important to consider the special requirements of the transport company in question, if any. Sometimes, they may expect a certain standard to be met before you can be entitled to their service. When we did the gross vs net weight comparison, we also realized that the mode of transportation may have an effect on the weight value of your goods. This is especially the case if you are traveling by air or water.