In this article, Luckystar will explain the meaning of VGM in shipping, exploring its significance, the regulations surrounding it, and the methods used to determine it. Whether you’re a seasoned logistics professional or new to the shipping industry, understanding VGM is essential for ensuring compliance, preventing accidents, and maintaining the smooth flow of global trade.
What is VGM?
VGM stands for Verified Gross Mass. It’s all about knowing the total weight of your shipping container, including the container itself and everything inside.
What is the Difference Between VGM and Gross Weight?
VGM Requires official verification and certification of the container’s weight before loading onto a vessel. This involves using calibrated and certified weighing equipment or an approved calculation method. Meanwhile, gross weight does not necessarily require official verification. It’s simply the total weight of the container and its contents.
So, in essence, VGM is a more stringent, legally required (SOLAS), and safety-focused measure, while gross weight is a more general term used in shipping and logistics. The introduction of VGM regulations has added an extra layer of verification and accountability to ensure the accuracy of container weights in maritime shipping.
Why is VGM Important?
Verified gross mass is required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention.
By accurately providing weight information, VGM prevents overloading and uneven distribution of cargo, which could jeopardize the stability of ships. It safeguards the lives of crew members, port workers, and others involved in maritime operations.
How to Determine VGM?
To determine the VGM, you can use several weighing methods. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) specifies two main methods.
Method 1 involves weighing the entire packed and sealed container using calibrated and certified equipment. This is often done at specialized facilities, like port terminals or certified weighing stations.
Method 2 requires combining the weight of all cargo with the tare weight of the container. The sum gives the total weight, ensuring accuracy and safety during shipping.
Equipment used includes weighbridges, container handling scales, and advanced digital solutions. You must ensure that this equipment is up-to-date and certified for reliable results.
How to Calculate the Tare Weight?
The tare weight is the weight of an empty container without any cargo inside. It is crucial for the VGM calculation because you add it to the weight of the cargo.
Tare Weight = Gross Weight – Net Weight
- Gross Weight is the total weight of the container/vehicle plus its contents.
- Net Weight is the weight of only the contents/cargo.
For example:
If a loaded container weighs 25,000 kg (gross weight), and the cargo alone weighs 22,000 kg (net weight), the tare weight would be 25,000 kg – 22,000 kg = 3,000 kg.
How to Prepare VGM Document？
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) documentation is crucial to the shipping process.
A typical VGM declaration form includes:
- VGM declared weight
- VGM weighing method used (Method 1 or 2)
- VGM reference number
- Name of person signing the declaration
- Booking/Bill of Lading number
- Container number
- Unit of measurement (kg or lb)
- Date of declaration (optional)
- Weighing party name (optional)
You should complete them and submit them 48 hours before the scheduled sailing date. Failure to provide the document on time may result in the shipment being rolled to the next vessel and incurring port storage fees.
VGM information can be transmitted electronically or on paper, depending on the requirements of the port or shipping line.
If a packed container does not have a declared VGM, it cannot be loaded onto the ships. This can lead to delays, additional costs, and
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is SOLAS?
SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) is the most important international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships and shippers.
What are the charges associated with VGM in shipping?
Charges for VGM can vary depending on the shipping company and location. There might be costs for weighing the container and penalties for late or incorrect VGM submission. Always check with your carrier for specific fees.
Who is typically responsible for submitting the VGM in the shipping process?
The shipper is responsible for providing the VGM. This is usually done through a shipping document before the container is loaded onto the vessel. Accurate submission is vital for compliance with regulations.
Is VGM necessary for shipping empty containers, and if so, what are the guidelines?
For empty containers, VGM is usually not required, but the tare weight of the container is still important. Guidelines can vary, so it’s best to confirm with the shipping line to avoid any confusion.
Will VGM be displayed on the Bill of Lading?
No, VGM will not be displayed on the Bill of Lading. The VGM is declared separately from the gross cargo weight entered in the Bill of Lading.
Does VGM have requirements for my bulk cargo?
No, VGM requirements do not apply to bulk cargo. They are specifically for containerized cargo.
Who will submit VGM information?
The shipper named on the Ocean Bill of Lading is responsible for providing the VGM to the carrier.
Who will verify the authenticity of the VGM data I submitted?
The ship’s master (captain) and the terminal operators are responsible for verifying the VGM data.
What are the risks of not submitting VGM or submitting VGM late?
Your container will be denied entry at terminals with “No VGM, No Gate-in” policies, and it will not be loaded onto the vessel, which causes delivery delays.
What should I do if the submitted VGM data needs to be changed?
If there’s a need to amend the VGM after submission, communicate these changes promptly to the carrier and port terminals. This might involve submitting a revised VGM declaration form or updating the shipping instructions.
If I didn’t submit VGM data, can I make a remedy?
In some cases, if a container arrives without a VGM, the terminal or the ship’s master may obtain the VGM by weighing the packed container at the terminal or elsewhere, if agreed by commercial parties. However, this is considered an exception and may incur additional costs.