WEIGHT UNITS & FREIGHT RATING
Hundredweight (CWT)
Hundredweight is a weight unit abbreviated CWT. A US short hundredweight is 100 pounds, while a long or imperial hundredweight is 112 pounds. The applicable convention must be stated.
HUNDREDWEIGHT IN PRACTICE
- Confirm the conventionIdentify short or long hundredweight.
- Convert the weightUse the declared unit consistently.
- Apply the rate termsCheck rounding, minimums and supplements.
Use the agreed units, actual records and approved procedures for your operation.
A WORKED EXAMPLE
One abbreviation. Two different weight quantities.
A 500-pound shipment equals 5 US short CWT because 500 ÷ 100 = 5. At an illustrative $20 per short CWT, the base calculation is $100 before any applicable minimums, rounding or additional charges.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR QUOTE
Agree the requirement before comparing quotes
Use the actual shipment, stock and service requirements. Record the billing unit, included work and responsibility for exceptions.
A LITTLE MORE CONTEXT
Questions about Hundredweight
Does CWT always mean 100 pounds?
No. A long hundredweight is 112 pounds.
Is 500 pounds five US short CWT?
Yes.
Is the rate times converted weight always the final charge?
No. Rating terms and additional charges can apply.
Source & example notes
NIST: weights and measures tables.
Sources provide background on the linked topic. Product documentation describes a particular implementation; confirm the rules, contract and procedures that apply to your operation.
Quantities, costs and scenarios are illustrative, not operating targets, approved handling instructions or guarantees. Source guidance reviewed 22 October 2026.
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