Glossary
Gross Ton
A unit of weight used to measure the capacity of a ship or its cargo.
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Al Sharqi Shipping is a leader in the logistics industry with more than 30 years of experience in guiding and moving freight across the globe.
What is Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) & how is it calculated?
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is a term used in the shipping industry to refer to the total weight of a vehicle and its payload, including the driver, passengers, fuel, and any cargo being transported. The GVW is an important factor to consider when shipping goods by truck, as it determines the maximum weight that a vehicle can legally carry-on public roads.
The GVW is calculated by adding the weight of the vehicle’s empty weight, also known as the tare weight, to the weight of the cargo being transported. The tare weight includes the weight of the vehicle itself, including the chassis, engine, and other components, as well as the weight of any fuel or fluids in the vehicle.
For example, if a truck has an empty weight of 10,000 pounds and is carrying a payload of 20,000 pounds, the GVW would be:
GVW = Tare Weight + Cargo Weight
GVW = 10,000 + 20,000
GVW = 30,000 pounds
It is important for shippers to ensure that their cargo does not exceed the maximum GVW limit for the vehicle being used, as doing so can result in fines or other penalties.
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