What does tare mean?
Tare: what is it? It is the tare weight of a container that is empty. To its weight are also calculated fittings and devices that are an integral part of the container structure. In the case of refrigerated containers, for example, this would be a set of refrigeration units that are located inside or in an additional enclosure. The tare weight of containers and the standardization of this type of construction itself lies with the International Organization for Standardization. They establish not only the terminology, but also the overall dimensions of the structure, strength requirements, operating regulations, and specialized markings that appear on the sides of the container. Tare, or tare weight of a container, is also described in detail by this international organization. In English, you will come across the term Tare Mass of Container, which means the same thing. To find out the exact guidelines of the International Organization for Standardization, it is advisable to have a look at their website. You can also get information from the Ministry of Transport, which is the department that deals with rules in maritime, land, and rail transport.
Container's tare - what is it all about?
Why is container's tare so important and what is standardization all about? It is an important need that was recognized many years ago especially in the United States and Europe. Standardization not only greatly facilitates domestic and international trade, but also allows for a uniform transportation infrastructure across many countries. Container standardization also makes it possible to introduce uniform connections and equipment in various types of vehicles. Thanks to this, a container can not only travel by ship but it can also be placed on a railroad platform or a road trailer. These are several convenient solutions that significantly reduce transport costs - especially in international sales.
Does tare affect domestic and international transport? Weight is a crucial issue that affects the speed and cost of delivering cargo to different parts of the world. While ships are large and rail transport is used to heavy loads, road transport has a carrying capacity. This applies not only to road construction technology and durability but also to the vehicles themselves. Tractor units and ballast tractors are not only limited by national regulations regarding the weight of the loaded vehicle, but also by the laws of physics. And counting the transport of containers under oversize transport would be too costly. Therefore, there was an international need to standardize the weight of a container with and without cargo.
Tare - how is it weighed?
Tare - how to calculate the weight of containers and vehicles? Special road scales are used, which can be found not only in ports but also along freeways, expressways, and national highways. Some haulage companies also use this type of equipment to make sure that the vehicle meets the acceptable weight standards together with the load. Vehicle weighing services are also offered by third-party providers, who usually offer them at important transshipment hubs. These may include not only seaports but also rail terminals or major road hubs. This is a service worth taking advantage of and protects carriers from the financial consequences caused by fines for an overly heavy vehicle.
Tare - how is it weighed? It is enough for the truck tractor with a semi-trailer with a container to enter the scale and the measurement is made. Sometimes the first weighing is carried out with or without an empty container. The scale is then tared and the exact weight of the load is obtained. Vehicle weighing does not take long, and the scales are designed to be easy to drive on. In some countries, it may happen that trucks, which travel on public roads, are subject to mandatory weighing. Then, appropriate signs will direct to special yards with road scales, where weighing takes place and special signalization gives the sign to move on.
Container tare - what is the standard?
What is the standardization of container weight? It all depends on its size and type. Detailed information on this topic can be found not only on the website of the International Organization for Standardization but also in local ministries of transport. Under the international standardization of the container, we divide them into:
- 20` container - its weight range can vary from 1 800 kilograms to 2 400 kilograms;
- Container 40 - in the case of this structure the required weight range is from 2 2800 kilograms to 4 000 kilograms;
- High Cube 40` container - this is a higher structure than the standard 40` models and its weight limit is between 3 900 kilograms and 4 200 kilograms.
For other containers and their allowable weight, it is worthwhile to refer to the relevant national and international institutions, which deal with the policing of standards in the road, rail, and sea transport.