Shipping Scales

Shipping scales, also known as postal scales or shipping weight scales, are specialized scales designed for accurately weighing packages and parcels. These scales are commonly used by businesses, e-commerce sellers, postal services, and shipping departments to determine the weight of items before shipping. Accurate weight measurements are crucial for calculating shipping costs and ensuring compliance with shipping regulations.

Here are some key features and considerations for shipping scales:

1. Weight Capacity: Shipping scales come in a range of weight capacities to accommodate various sizes of packages. Common capacities include 5 lbs, 10 lbs, 50 lbs, 100 lbs, and higher.

2. Accuracy: Precision and accuracy are essential for shipping scales. They should provide reliable weight measurements to avoid miscalculations in shipping costs.

3. Platform Size: The size of the weighing platform should be sufficient to accommodate the packages you typically handle. Consider the dimensions of the packages you'll be weighing regularly.

4. Units of Measurement: Shipping scales typically display weights in various units, including pounds, ounces, kilograms, and grams. Ensure that the scale supports the units you need for your shipping requirements.

5. Display: The scale's display should be easy to read, especially if you are dealing with large packages. Some scales come with backlit displays for better visibility.

6. Tare Function: The tare function allows you to subtract the weight of containers or packaging material, providing the net weight of the item being shipped.

7. Connectivity: Some modern shipping scales come with connectivity options, allowing them to integrate with shipping software or connect to computers for streamlined record-keeping and label printing.

8. Power Source: Shipping scales can be battery-powered or require an electrical outlet. Consider your preference and the availability of power sources in your workspace.

9. Durability: Given that shipping scales are often used in busy environments where packages are handled, a durable and sturdy construction is important.

10. Legal for Trade Certification: If you are using the scale for commercial transactions where the weight measurement is a basis for financial transactions (e.g., determining shipping costs), you may need a scale that is "legal for trade" certified to meet regulatory requirements.

Popular manufacturers of shipping scales include companies like Ohaus, and Mettler Toledo. When selecting a shipping scale, it's essential to consider your specific needs and the volume of packages you handle regularly.