VGM

VGM (Verified Gross Mass) is the total weight of a packed shipping container, including all cargo, packaging, dunnage, and the container's tare weight. Under the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) convention amendment effective since July 2016, it is mandatory for the shipper to provide a verified container weight to the carrier and terminal before the container can be loaded onto a vessel.

In Freight Forwarding

VGM compliance is non-negotiable — containers without a verified weight declaration will be rejected for loading. There are two methods to obtain VGM: Method 1 involves weighing the entire packed container on a certified scale, while Method 2 involves weighing all cargo items individually and adding the container tare weight. The VGM must be submitted to the carrier before the cargo cutoff deadline, typically 24 to 48 hours before vessel departure.

How CargoGen Handles It

CargoGen records VGM per container: weight, method and date, alongside gate-in and gate-out timestamps and seal numbers. The dock-ops view lists containers that still need a VGM recorded before cut-off. Submission to the carrier is done through the carrier's own channel.