VGM

In November 2014, the International Maritime Organization adopted an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea convention (SOLAS) regarding mandatory container weight verification. The amendment applies to all member states who will, in turn, adopt it into their own national law. Each country will provide its own guidelines for the implementation.

1. The SituationToday, weight declarations of loaded containers are not always accurate. This leads to an increased risk of accidents throughout the supply chain.
2. The ChallengeFrom July 1st 2016, Shippers will be required to provide the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of each shipment to their ocean carrier and the terminal operator. It remains the shippers’ responsibility to obtain and provide the VGM in accordance with local government guidelines and before the carrier’s cut off.
3. The ImplicationSOLAS rules state that if a Shipper fails to provide a VGM to the ocean carrier and the terminal operator, the container cannot be loaded on-board the vessel. In this case, the Shipper is accountable for any additional charges.  Shippers may authorise a third party to provide the VGM, however, shippers remain responsible for the process.
4. Weight DefinitionVGM is determined by using the following methods:
   Method 1: Weighing the packed container once all cargo has been loaded & sealed in to the container.
   Method 2: by calculating the weight of the cargo (including packaging), dunnage and the container tare.
   TEKRONrecommend that shippers keep a record of VGM’s for requests by authorities.
5. Empty container weight (container tare weight)The container tare weight can be checked in two ways:
   a) The tare weight is physically printed on the outside of the container doors
   b) In the case of method 2, the container tare weight lookup on www.zao-tekron.com
6. Worldwide ProceduresProcedures will vary by country, please visit your local Country Guide for more information.