VGM - Verified Gross Mass

NET WEIGHT . - ONLY GOOD WEIGHT .

GROSS WEIGHT . - GOODS WEIGHT + PACKAGING WEIGHT.

TARE WEIGHT . - EMPTY CONTAINER WEIGHT.

VGM . - GROSS WEIGHT + TARE WEIGHT.

VGM stands for Verified Gross Mass in the context of shipping. It's a term used in the maritime industry, specifically in relation to containerized cargo. The Verified Gross Mass is the total weight of a packed container, including the cargo, packaging materials, and the container's tare weight.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced the VGM requirement as part of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, which came into effect on July 1, 2016. The purpose of the VGM requirement is to enhance safety in the shipping industry by ensuring that containers are properly weighed before being loaded onto vessels. This helps prevent accidents, such as container stacks collapsing due to overweight containers.

Under the VGM requirement, shippers are responsible for providing the Verified Gross Mass of their packed containers to the shipping line and terminal operators. This information must be communicated to the carrier and terminal sufficiently in advance of the container being loaded onto the vessel.

There are two methods for obtaining the VGM:

1. Weighing the Packed Container: Shippers can physically weigh the packed container using calibrated and certified weighing equipment. This can be done either by weighing the entire container after it's packed or by weighing the cargo separately and then adding it to the tare weight of the container.
2. Calculating the VGM: Shippers can calculate the VGM by adding the weight of the cargo, including packaging materials, to the tare weight of the container. This method requires accurate measurement of each component and adherence to specific guidelines for calculating the VGM.

Once the VGM is obtained, it must be communicated to the shipping line or its representative using approved methods, such as electronic data interchange (EDI) or manual documentation. Failure to provide the VGM within the specified timeframe may result in delays or penalties imposed by the shipping line or port authorities.

Overall, the VGM requirement is an important safety measure aimed at reducing the risks associated with overweight containers in maritime transportation.