Since 2016, shipper must provide the Verified Gross Mass of container (VGM), to the shipping line.
This VGM must be provided under the form of a paper certificate or by electronic means. A container without an associated VGM record will not be loaded at port.
No estimates are allowed and 2 main methods exist for establishing the Verified Gross Mass:
1. by weighing the packed container using calibrated and certified equipment.
2. by weighing all packages and cargo items, including packaging and the tare weight of the container, then adding them up to get the verified weight.
The shipper can delegate the calculation and provision of the VGM to his selected freight forwarder or packaging company.
