Reweighs are easily one of the most common issues in freight shipping. They occur when the weight on the Bill of Lading does not match the weight on the carrier’s scale. This check can happen at any terminal at the discretion of the carrier. A reweigh results in an additional charge, consistent reweighs from a single shipper could result in refusal to carry their goods. Fortunately, this is an avoidable problem if you ensure to follow these steps before sending out your shipment.

Obtain Accurate Weight

The weight of your shipment includes the product plus all additional packaging. Many shippers forget to factor in the weight of the pallet in the overall measurement and get hit with a reweigh once the package is on the road. This should not be an estimation, as carrier scales are sensitive. For those who ship often, it may be beneficial to invest in a freight scale. 

Dimensional VS Gross Weight

Dimensional weight is the length multiplied by the width and height, divided by various factors. This establishes the cubic weight of a shipment. Gross weight is everything measured on a scale, otherwise known as the actual weight. Many carriers will charge you whatever is the greater of the two weights. In some cases it will depend on the product itself. Make sure to clarify this with your carrier. 

Know Your Freight Class

By using your pallet size and weight, you can accurately calculate your freight class. Documenting the proper freight class will give the shipper the proper information they need to create a shipping quote, potentially helping your shipment avoid expensive reweighs down the road.  
Shipment reweighs may be a common problem, but they don’t have to be your problem anymore if you follow the above advice. As always, feel free to reach out to our team of logistics experts for clarification on your individual shipments and obtain a quote. 

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