4 Tips to Measure Weight Without Scale for Shipping

How to Measure Weight Without a Scale for Accurate Freight Quotes 

Posted on:
May 17, 2024

To receive an accurate freight quote, you must include the specific weight of your shipment. But what can you do to measure weight without a scale for your freight? Or, what if the items you are shipping do not fit on the scale? How would you find the weight without a scale?

Don’t worry! Be creative; there are other ways to calculate the weight, including methods on how to check weight without a scale. Whether you’re wondering how to weigh yourself without a scale or how to measure weight without scale for shipping, these tips can help. Below are four tips to measure weight without a scale and still receive accurate scale quotes for your shipping solutions.


1. Review Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturers are the best source of information on their products, which can help you determine weight without a scale. Their websites and user manuals should list a great deal of information, such as product weights and density.

If their website or manual does not include that information, a simple phone call to the company should provide the answers you are looking for. This method of how to weigh something without a scale can be especially useful for heavy items or oversized items.


2. Go Back to the Basics

You have options if you do not have a large enough scale to measure your item’s weight and the manufacturer does not include weight specs to help you determine weight without a scale for your shipment.

What you can do:
  • Weigh the raw materials the products are made from.

  • Break down the components and add them up.

This method may be tedious, but it will get you an accurate number. At the end of the day, a precise number helps you avoid additional costs if the weight is off.

This approach can be particularly helpful when trying to figure out:

  • How to weigh a box without a scale

  • How to calculate package weight without scale

  • How to measure grams without scale

It’s similar to how to figure out your weight without a scale – you’re breaking down the components and adding them up.


3. Doing the Math

Let’s say you are shipping several of the same item. If you can figure out what one of the items weighs by using one of the above methods or using a non-freight scale, some simple math will help you measure weight without a scale!

How to do it:
  • Multiply the weight of one item by the number of items you are shipping.

Just like that, you will know how much your shipment weighs.

This method is especially useful for:

  • Creating weight estimates for multiple items

  • Dealing with oddly shaped items

It’s similar to how to check your weight without a scale at home – you’re using known quantities to estimate the unknown.


4. Remember the Packaging Materials

Do not forget that the weight of all packaging needs to be included in your final shipment weight.

Packaging tips to remember:
  • A standard 48×48 pallet can weigh up to 50 pounds.

  • When calculating weight, make sure to add 50 pounds for each 48×48-inch pallet.

Learning how to weigh a pallet accurately is crucial for freight shipping. If you’re wondering “how much does a shipping pallet weigh?”, remember that it can significantly impact your total weight. You can also check out this guide to different types of shipping pallets to better understand how pallet choice affects overall freight weight and handling.

Forgetting the pallet weight in your total weight could result in:

  • A significantly higher freight bill

  • Potential billing adjustments

  • Harm to your bottom line

This is why it’s important to know what kind of scale you need to weigh packages accurately—even if you’re estimating without one.


Why Accurate Weight Matters

Measuring your freight accurately is essential to avoid unexpected charges, delivery delays, or reclassification fees. Incorrect weight or dimensions can lead to billing adjustments, shipment refusals, or even compliance issues with carriers. Proper measurements ensure you receive the most accurate freight quote, improve overall logistics efficiency, and help maintain transparency in your supply chain. Whether you’re shipping LTL or full truckload, taking the time to measure properly helps protect your bottom line and ensures smoother, faster shipping from pickup to delivery.


GoShip: Your Freight Shipping Partner

GoShip stands out as a premier choice for specialized freight carriers, offering tailored solutions for unique shipping needs. Whether you require an LTL freight quote for smaller, less-than-truckload shipments or a  full truckload quote for larger, more substantial freight

Our platform makes it easy to get fast, accurate, and affordable shipping quotes—no guesswork required. Ready to ship smarter? Get your free freight quote now and experience hassle-free logistics with GoShip.


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