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Ten Things You Maybe Didn't Know About the Long Ton
1. The Long Ton is heavier than the Short Ton
Yep, it's not just a name—it's literally longer in weight. The Long Ton clocks in at 2,240 pounds, while the Short Ton (used in the U.S.) is only 2,000 pounds. That extra 240 pounds makes a difference when you're talking heavy stuff.
2. It’s mostly used in the UK (and sometimes in shipping)
While the UK has mostly adopted metric, the Long Ton still hangs around in specific sectors like naval architecture and shipping. It pops up when folks want to be extra traditional—or are dealing with certain types of cargo.
3. Also known as the "Imperial Ton"
The Long Ton is part of the imperial system, which is why it’s sometimes called the "Imperial Ton." It’s a nod to Britain’s historical way of measuring large quantities of weight before going metric.
4. It’s a favorite in maritime industries
In shipping and naval circles, the Long Ton is often used to describe displacement—the weight of water a ship pushes aside when floating. So when they say a ship displaces 30,000 tons, they usually mean Long Tons.
5. It’s bigger than a metric tonne, too
For comparison, a metric tonne is 1,000 kilograms, which is about 2,204.62 pounds. The Long Ton, at 2,240 pounds, edges it out by about 35 pounds. Not massive, but enough to matter in large-scale logistics.
6. Common in historical British trade records
Looking at old shipping manifests or trade documents from the British Empire? You’ll see Long Tons everywhere. They were the gold standard (or should we say, the iron standard?) for measuring freight and raw materials.
7. The "ton" in TNT is often a Long Ton
Ever heard of "tons of TNT" in action movies or documentaries? That ton often refers to the Long Ton—especially in British or older American contexts. One Long Ton of TNT packs a serious punch.
8. Still used in some US military and naval contexts
Even in the U.S., which prefers Short Tons, the Long Ton still gets some love in certain military and shipbuilding applications. It adds a bit of precision when dealing with massive displacements.
9. Not to be confused with volume-based "tonnage"
The word "tonnage" can be confusing—it’s often about volume, not weight. But the Long Ton is strictly a measure of mass. So don't mix up your cargo weight with your cargo space!
10. It’s a dying breed—but not extinct
As the world shifts to the metric system, the Long Ton is becoming more of a niche unit. Still, in certain corners of the industrial, maritime, and military worlds, it stubbornly holds on.