Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is a critical requirement for international container shipping, representing the total weight of a loaded container, including its cargo and tare weight. Accurate VGM submission ensures maritime safety, regulatory compliance, and prevents costly shipping delays.
VGM became mandatory under the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention in 2016, requiring shippers to verify and declare container weights before vessel loading.
The Importance of Accurate VGM
Proper VGM declaration serves three vital purposes in global shipping:
- Safety: Prevents vessel overloading and maintains proper weight distribution to avoid stability issues at sea.
- Regulatory Compliance: Satisfies IMO SOLAS requirements that prohibit loading containers without verified weight documentation.
- Operational Efficiency: Eliminates delays caused by missing or incorrect weight information that could disrupt loading schedules.
Authorized Parties for VGM Submission
Several designated parties may submit VGM information through the shipping platform:
- The booking party who reserved the container space
- Contract holders with pricing agreements
- Documented shippers or consignors (with document shippers taking precedence)
- Consignees listed on the bill of lading
- Authorized third-party freight forwarders
Step-by-Step VGM Submission Process
The digital platform provides a streamlined process for VGM declaration:
- Access the shipping portal and navigate to the account login section
- Select the "Manage" tab and choose the VGM submission option
- Locate the specific shipment using reference numbers (booking, bill of lading, or container)
- Initiate the VGM update process for the relevant container
- Enter the verified weight using the correct measurement units (kilograms or pounds)
- Review all entered data before final submission
Critical Considerations for VGM Compliance
To ensure smooth processing of VGM declarations:
- Adhere strictly to carrier-specific submission deadlines
- Verify all weight measurements for accuracy before submission
- Use properly calibrated and certified weighing equipment
- Maintain documentation of weighing procedures for potential audits
- Confirm the correct weight units match the measurement system used
Support Resources for VGM Compliance
The shipping platform provides comprehensive support materials including detailed guidelines on approved weighing methods, regulatory updates, and troubleshooting assistance for technical issues. These resources help maintain compliance with evolving international shipping requirements.