The tare weight is one of the two constituent weights used to calculate the net weight of a shipment. It is also called the empty weight. Interstate transportation rates are based on the “net” weight of the shipment, not its volume. The way the net weight is determined is for the tuck or truck and trailer to be weighed before and after the shipment is loaded. This empty weight is called the tare weight. (From the French “tare”; literally meaning wastage in goods, deficiency, imperfection). When the shipment is loaded, a gross weight is obtained. The tare weight is subtracted from the gross weight which gives the net weight of the shipment. Arpin of RI has a huge truck scale at its facility in West Warwick that is calibrated twice a year by the State of RI.