Logistics Glossary

Get to know the vital terms of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Gross Register Ton

Introduction

In logistics, Gross Register Ton refers to the measurement of the interior space of a vessel. Any such measurement decides the cargo and passenger space or any other essentials onboard a vessel. GRT is an important term that ships use to determine the capacity of a vessel and how it would be utilized.

What is Gross Register Ton (GRT)?

Gross register ton measures the total volume of a vessel in terms of tons where one ton is equated to 100 cubic feet space. It would mean all the enclosed spaces such as the areas allotted for the purpose of cargo, passengers, crew quarters, and other facilities. GRT gives an idea to the ship’s owners, operators, and customers how much space will be available for use.

Importance of GRT in Shipping

GRT is essential in determining the shipping cost and payload carrying capability of a ship. Generally, bigger ships with greater GRTs can carry more goods, which usually means more lucrative trips. For logistics planners, knowledge of GRT is therefore crucial in making the right choice between vessels depending on the volume of cargo to be shipped.

GRT and Efficiency of Operations

While GRT is useful in computing the total volume of free space on the ship, it should be noted that all the space found there may not be cargo space. The balancing factors of cargo type and handling needs lead the logistics team to keep a balance with GRT for the optimal utilization of space.

Conclusion

Gross Register Ton is the base measurement in logistics-the volume available for cargo and other purposes by a ship. It helps business enterprises in the shipping industry make sound decisions on cargo capacity, operational efficiency, and cost management.

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