Weight Converter
Convert between pounds, kilograms, tons, and hundredweight for freight shipping
| Unit | Equals | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pound (lb) | 0.4536 kg | US domestic freight, LTL shipments |
| Kilogram (kg) | 2.205 lbs | International shipping, air freight |
| Short Ton (US) | 2,000 lbs | US truckload freight, bulk commodities |
| Metric Ton | 2,204.62 lbs / 1,000 kg | International ocean freight, global trade |
| Long Ton (UK) | 2,240 lbs | British shipping, some commodities |
| Hundredweight (CWT) | 100 lbs | LTL pricing, agricultural commodities |
This shipping weight converter helps freight professionals quickly convert between different weight units used in domestic and international shipping. Whether you're calculating LTL rates in hundredweight (CWT), converting kilograms for international shipments, or working with bulk commodities in tons, this tool provides instant conversions.
Key features:
- Convert between 7 freight-relevant weight units
- See all conversions at once — no need to convert one at a time
- Copy any value with one click
- Freight-focused units: pounds, kilograms, short tons, metric tons, and CWT
Understanding weight conversions is critical for accurate freight quoting. LTL carriers often price by hundredweight (CWT), while international shipments use kilograms and metric tons. Using the wrong unit can lead to billing discrepancies and unexpected charges.
Which weight units matter in freight
Enter a weight in any unit and the converter shows the equivalent across pounds, kilograms, short tons, metric tons, long tons, and hundredweight — the units that actually show up on freight paperwork:
- Hundredweight (CWT) — 100 lbs. LTL carriers often quote rates "per CWT" by freight class and distance.
- Short ton — 2,000 lbs, the standard US ton for domestic freight.
- Metric ton — 1,000 kg (~2,204.6 lbs), used on international shipments.
- Long ton — 2,240 lbs, seen in some British and commodity contracts.
Getting the unit right matters: international bills of lading and customs paperwork expect kilograms or metric tons, while US LTL pricing runs on pounds and CWT.
Weight conversion FAQs
What is hundredweight (CWT) in freight?
Hundredweight (CWT) equals 100 pounds and is commonly used in LTL freight pricing. Carriers often quote rates as 'price per CWT' based on freight class and distance.
What's the difference between short tons and metric tons?
A short ton (US ton) equals 2,000 pounds and is standard in US domestic freight. A metric ton equals 1,000 kilograms or approximately 2,204.62 pounds. Metric tons are used in international shipping.
How do I convert pounds to kilograms for shipping?
Divide pounds by 2.20462 to get kilograms. For quick mental math, divide by 2.2. For example, 1,000 lbs ÷ 2.2 ≈ 454 kg. International shipments typically require weights in kilograms.
What is a long ton?
A long ton (imperial ton) equals 2,240 pounds. It's primarily used in British shipping and for certain commodities. It's less common in modern freight but still appears in some international contracts.
What are typical freight weight limits?
LTL pallets: 2,000-2,500 lbs. Dry van truckload: 44,000-45,000 lbs payload. Flatbed: 48,000 lbs payload. 20ft container: 44,000 lbs cargo. 40ft container: 44,000-59,000 lbs depending on route.
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- Get a freight quote — price and book your shipment.