Legal Definitions - ton

A "ton" is a unit of weight, but its precise measurement can vary significantly depending on the context, especially in legal and commercial agreements. It primarily refers to two distinct measurements:

• A short ton is a unit of weight equal to 2,000 pounds. This is the most common definition of a "ton" used in the United States and Canada for many commercial purposes.
• A long ton is a unit of weight equal to 2,240 pounds. This measurement is traditionally used in the United Kingdom and in certain international shipping and commodity contexts, particularly for bulk goods like coal or iron ore.

Understanding which type of ton is being referred to is crucial to avoid misunderstandings in contracts and transactions.

Examples:

• Commercial Sales (Short Ton): A landscaping company in Arizona places an order for 25 tons of topsoil from a local supplier for a new park project. In this scenario, without any further specification, the agreement would typically refer to 25 short tons. This means the company expects to receive 25 multiplied by 2,000 pounds, totaling 50,000 pounds of topsoil, as the short ton is the standard commercial unit in the United States.

• International Shipping (Long Ton): A contract for the sale of raw materials between a mining company in Australia and a steel mill in Germany specifies the delivery of 50,000 tons of iron ore. The contract explicitly states that "ton" refers to the traditional British measure for bulk commodities. In this case, the agreement is for 50,000 long tons, meaning the total shipment will weigh 50,000 multiplied by 2,240 pounds, which is 112,000,000 pounds of iron ore. This illustrates the use of the long ton in specific international trade contexts.

• Vehicle Weight Limits (Importance of Specification): A state law in the U.S. sets a maximum weight limit of 40 tons for commercial vehicles traveling on certain bridges. A trucking company operating a large rig needs to ensure its loaded vehicle complies with this regulation. Here, the law is referring to short tons, meaning the truck's total weight, including its cargo, must not exceed 40 multiplied by 2,000 pounds, or 80,000 pounds. Misinterpreting this as long tons could lead to a violation, as 40 long tons would be 89,600 pounds, exceeding the legal limit.