Legal Definitions - long ton

A long ton is a specific unit of weight equal to 2,240 pounds avoirdupois. It is also known as an imperial ton or gross ton. This measurement is distinct from a "short ton" (2,000 pounds), which is commonly used in the United States, and a "metric ton" (1,000 kilograms, approximately 2,204.6 pounds), which is used internationally. The long ton is primarily utilized in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, particularly in industries dealing with bulk commodities such as minerals, metals, and in shipping calculations.

• Example 1: A British shipping company is calculating the maximum permissible weight for a cargo of bauxite being loaded onto a vessel destined for a refinery. The ship's capacity and the cargo's weight are both specified in long tons to comply with UK maritime regulations and ensure accurate load planning.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates the use of a long ton in the context of international shipping and bulk commodity transport, particularly when one of the parties or the regulatory environment (UK) adheres to this specific weight standard.

• Example 2: In a historical document from the 1930s detailing the annual output of a coal mine in South Wales, the production figures are listed in "tons." To understand the true volume of coal extracted, a researcher must recognize that, given the time period and location, "tons" refers to long tons, meaning 2,240 pounds per ton.

  Explanation: This illustrates how the long ton was historically the standard unit of measurement for bulk commodities like coal in the United Kingdom, and understanding this context is crucial for interpreting older records accurately.

• Example 3: A British steel mill places an order for 500 units of raw iron ore from a supplier. The purchase agreement explicitly states that the quantity is 500 long tons of ore. This precision ensures that both the mill and the supplier agree on the exact amount of material being transacted (500 x 2,240 pounds), preventing any confusion with short tons or metric tons that might be used in other regions.

  Explanation: This scenario highlights the importance of specifying "long tons" in commercial contracts within industries and regions where this unit is standard, ensuring clarity and avoiding disputes over the actual quantity of goods exchanged.