What is VGM
Interlink編集部What Is VGM?
VGM stands for Verified Gross Mass, referring to the confirmed total weight of a loaded export container ready for shipment. In FCL export, after loading cargo into the container, the total gross weight of the entire container must be confirmed and communicated to the shipping line, NVOCC, terminal, or other relevant parties by the prescribed method.
The total gross weight includes not only the weight of the cargo itself but also packaging materials, pallets, wooden crates, lashing materials, dunnage, cushioning materials, and the container's tare weight. VGM is not just a reference weight; it is crucial information affecting vessel stowage, safety management, and the authorization to load the container after CY in-gate.
The VGM system was introduced under the amended SOLAS Convention to confirm in advance the total weight of export containers for international ocean shipment. Incorrect or inaccurate container weight declarations can impact vessel stowage, port cargo handling, road transport, cargo incidents, and container damage, so careful management in practice is required.
Scope Covered in This Article
This article organizes the meaning of VGM, the purpose of the system, what weights are included in the VGM, how it is determined, who determines it, CY cut-off, stowage, container sealing, shipping documents, the relationship with overweight and unbalanced load, and the matters shippers and freight forwarders should confirm.
This article provides an overview of VGM in the practice of FCL export operations. Details on overweight and unbalanced load, CY cut-off, stowage, FCL transport, dangerous goods declaration, export customs clearance, shipping documents, and container damage are covered only briefly here.
| Item | Content Covered in This Article | Details Covered Only at Overview Level Here |
|---|---|---|
| Basics of VGM | Organizes the meaning of VGM as the confirmed gross weight of the loaded container for shipment. | Detailed interpretation of the SOLAS Convention, related Ship Safety Act ordinances, notices, and guidelines. |
| Purpose of the System | Organizes the significance of confirming gross weight for cargo loading on board, port handling, ship stability, and safe transport. | History of system revisions, notification and registration procedures, detailed administrative processes. |
| Weight Included in VGM | Organizes the concept including cargo weight, packing materials, pallets, lashing materials, dunnage, and container tare weight. | Detailed calculation of individual cargo weights, packaging design, and loading plan calculations. |
| Methods of Determining VGM | Compares the method of weighing the full loaded container with the method of adding container tare weight to weighed cargo and packing materials. | Details on scales, weighing records, registered confirmation operators, and internal weighing procedures. |
| Determining Party and Involved Parties | Organizes the involvement of the shipper, notifying shipper, registered confirmation operator, freight forwarder, warehouse, and NVOCC. | Administrative procedures for notification and registration, contractual liability, responsibility allocation in individual cases. |
| Relation to CY Cut-Off | Organizes the need to manage CY in-gate deadline and VGM submission deadline separately. | Deadlines per port, shipping line, and NVOCC; cut information; late VGM handling. |
| Relation to Stowage | Organizes the practice of verifying weight based on the actual situation after stowage of specific cargo into specific containers. | Stowage accidents, poor loading, lashing, and unbalanced load details. |
| Relation to Overweight and Unbalanced Load | Organizes that VGM is the confirmation of gross weight and is related to but not the same as determination of overweight or unbalanced load. | Causes of overweight and unbalanced load, transport feasibility, cost burden, liability for accidents. |
| Scope of Freight Forwarder Involvement | Organizes matters easy for freight forwarders to confirm and advise on, and matters they should avoid conclusively determining. | Shipper-side weighing responsibility, registered confirmation operator roles, contractual liability, responsibility judgment after incidents. |
Why VGM Is Necessary
If the total weight of a container is inaccurate, it can hinder stowage planning, safety management, and cargo handling operations on board the vessel. When the actual weight is heavier than declared, it affects the loading plan, crane operations, container stacking, and the vessel’s stability.
Additionally, overweight or uneven loads impact road transportation, port handling, and terminal operations. VGM is not information solely for the shipping line; it is essential data for shippers, freight forwarders, drayage companies, terminals, NVOCCs, and shipping lines to safely manage container movements.
Accurately managing VGM relates not only to confirming whether cargo can be loaded but also to investigating causes if accidents occur, explaining weight discrepancies, and verifying cargo or container damage.
Common Misunderstandings
With VGM, misunderstandings such as "It is fine to use the packing list weight as is," "Only the cargo weight matters," or "The freight forwarder will finalize everything" tend to occur.
| Misunderstanding | Actual Concept | Potential Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Only the cargo weight is sufficient for VGM | VGM represents the total weight, including not only the cargo but also packaging materials, pallets, securing materials, dunnage, and container tare weight. | Underreporting the actual total weight may cause problems with loading and safety management. |
| The packing list weight can be used directly as the VGM | If the packing list weight only reflects the cargo weight, it may be insufficient as the VGM. | Packing materials and container tare weight are not accounted for, causing discrepancies between VGM and actual weight. |
| Once the container is in the CY, VGM is unnecessary | CY in-gate and VGM submission are managed separately. Even if the container is delivered to the CY, failure to submit the VGM may disrupt loading operations. | The container may not be loaded onto the scheduled vessel, additional verification work may be required, and schedule delays may occur. |
| VGM is automatically finalized by the freight forwarder | While a freight forwarder may assist with submission and guidance, the fundamental data for weight confirmation depends on the shipper or the party responsible for verification. | If it is unclear who finalized the weight, resolving responsibility during issues becomes difficult. |
| Correct total weight means no issues from uneven load distribution | VGM confirms total weight; it does not directly indicate weight distribution inside the container. | Even with a correct total weight, uneven loading on one side can cause problems in road transport or port cargo handling. |
| VGM is the same for multiple containers carrying identical cargo | Each container may differ in stowage content, quantity, packaging, securing materials, and tare weight; therefore, confirmation is required for each unit. | Overlooking weight differences between containers may lead to overweight or declaration discrepancies. |
| Changes in quantity just before shipment do not affect VGM | If quantity, packaging, number of pallets, or securing materials change, the VGM may also change. | Submitting the originally determined weight results in discrepancies with the actual weight. |
| VGM errors only affect loading operations | VGM errors relate not only to shipping delays but also to accident cause investigations, overweight containers, container damage, and issues in road transport. | After an accident, the accuracy of weight information may become a point of dispute. |
Weights Included in the VGM
The VGM confirms the total gross weight of the fully loaded container. It is necessary to consider not only the cargo weight but also packaging materials, pallets, wooden frames, securing materials, cushioning materials, lashing materials, dunnage, and the container’s tare weight.
The weight listed by the shipper on the packing list may not always be used directly as the VGM. If the packing list weight represents only the cargo weight, failing to include the container tare weight and packaging materials could result in a discrepancy from the actual total weight.
| Weight Item | Relation to VGM | Verification Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Net Weight | This weight forms the basis of the VGM. | Packing list, weight details, product specifications. | Avoid using estimated weights or outdated data. |
| Packaging Material Weight | Cartons, wooden boxes, wooden frames, and packaging materials affect the total weight. | Packing specifications, post-packaging weight, shipping details. | Documents showing only cargo weight may not reflect this. |
| Pallet Weight | For palletized cargo, the pallet weight is included in the total weight. | Number of pallets, pallet specifications, packing details. | Weight varies depending on wood, plastic, or metal pallets. |
| Lashing and Securing Materials | Lashing, lumber, belts, and securing tools also affect the total weight. | Vanning records, work details, photos. | Using additional securing materials could change the weight. |
| Dunnage and Cushioning Materials | Materials used for filling gaps, protection, and cushioning impact total weight. | Work records, material usage records, photos. | If additional materials are added unexpectedly, weight confirmation is needed. |
| Container Tare Weight | The weight of the empty container itself must be taken into account. | Container door markings, EIR, container information. | Tare weight may vary among containers even of the same size. |
Methods to Determine VGM
There are two main methods to determine the VGM: weighing the entire loaded container or calculating by adding the container's tare weight to the combined weight of cargo, packaging materials, etc. Regardless of the method used, accurate weight information and record management are essential.
| Method | Overview | Suitable Situations | Points of Attention | Verification Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Method 1: Weighing the Entire Loaded Container | Determine the total weight by weighing the entire loaded container after cargo loading, using an appropriate scale. | When weighing equipment is available, loading is complex, or individual weights of cargo and packaging are difficult to ascertain. | It is important to manage the weighing location, time, scale used, deduction of vehicle weight, and weighing records. | Weighing slip, weighing records, container number, booking number, EIR. |
| Method 2: Summing Individual Weights | Calculate the total weight by adding cargo, packaging, pallets, securing materials, etc., plus the empty container’s tare weight. | When weight management of cargo and packaging is accurate, and the loading details for multiple containers can be managed. | The container tare weight, additional packaging materials, loading changes, and quantity changes must be accurately reflected. | Packing list, weight details, packaging specifications, container tare weight information, stowage records. |
Who Confirms the VGM?
The VGM is information finalized under the responsibility of the shipper. However, in actual logistics practice, the cargo owner, freight forwarder, warehouse, weighing service provider, NVOCC, and registered confirmation agent may be involved.
The shipper who confirms the container gross weight themselves is categorized as the declaring shipper, while the party that confirms the container gross weight on behalf of the shipper is classified as a registered confirmation agent. Even if the freight forwarder is involved in arrangements, it is necessary to clarify in advance who confirms the weight, who submits the information, and at which stage confirmation occurs.
| Participant | Main Role | Items to Confirm | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Owner / Shipper | Provides basic information such as cargo weight, packaging weight, shipment quantity, and cargo details. | Cargo weight, quantity, packaging specifications, last-minute changes before shipment. | Proceeding with approximate or outdated weight information may cause VGM discrepancies. |
| Declaring Shipper | Responsible for confirming the container gross weight personally. | Confirmation methods, weighing records, internal procedures, submitted information. | Registration and record management under the regulation may be required. |
| Registered Confirmation Agent | Confirms the container gross weight on behalf of the shipper. | Registration status, weighing methods, confirmation records, submission deadlines. | Even when outsourcing confirmation tasks, accuracy of case information is essential. |
| Freight Forwarder | Verifies VGM submission deadlines, booking details, container numbers, and alignment with shipping documents. | Container-specific VGM, submission deadlines, vessel name, voyage number, booking number. | Not always in a position to guarantee the weight automatically. |
| Warehouse / Vanning Operator | Involved in cargo loading details, packaging materials, securing materials, and container status after loading. | Vanning records, loading photos, materials used, container numbers. | If actual loaded contents differ from initial plans, the weight information should be reviewed. |
| NVOCC / Shipping Line | Receives VGM information required for shipment and treats it as data related to loading and shipment feasibility. | Submission deadlines, submission formats, linkage with booking, possibility of corrections. | Failure to submit VGM or inconsistencies may cause problems with shipment. |
Positioning of VGM in FCL Transportation
In FCL export, empty containers are picked up and loaded at the shipper’s factory, warehouse, or designated warehouse. Afterward, container seals are applied, and the container is brought to the CY before the CY cut-off. The VGM is submitted as the weight information required for the vessel loading process within this flow.
In other words, although the VGM is based on information after loading, it must be prepared in time for CY in-gate and vessel loading. If the weight information is finalized late, it may cause disruptions to vessel loading even if the container has already been brought into the CY.
Relationship Between VGM and CY Cut, Vanning, and Loading
VGM is linked to multiple steps in FCL export. Even if only CY cut is managed, failure to meet the VGM submission deadline or discrepancies between the actual weight after vanning and the shipping documents could prevent loading onto the planned vessel.
| Process | Relation to VGM | Items to Check | Impact If Issues Occur | Practical Measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booking | Determines VGM submission destination, submission deadline, and container size assumptions. | Booking number, vessel name, voyage number, container size, deadline. | Incorrect submission destination or deadline causes shipping disruptions. | Confirm VGM submission requirements when finalizing booking. |
| Empty Container Pickup | Related to confirming container number and container tare weight. | Container number, container size, container tare weight, EIR. | Mistakes in container tare weight lead to inaccurate VGM. | Verify tare weight for each container number. |
| Vanning | VGM depends on which cargo is loaded into which container. | Cargo quantity, packaging materials, securing materials, loading details, photos. | Changes between planned and actual loading alter the VGM. | Confirm weight based on the actual condition after vanning. |
| Container Sealing | Consistency among container number, seal number, and VGM data is crucial. | Seal number, container number, S/I, B/L draft. | Risk of mistakenly submitting VGM for a different container. | Verify container-specific information after sealing. |
| CY In-gate | Need to manage not only CY cut but also the VGM submission deadline. | CY cut, in-gate records, VGM cut-off, submission confirmation. | Even if the container is in-gated, failure to submit VGM may block vessel loading. | Manage CY in-gate deadlines and VGM submission deadlines separately. |
| Loading | Provides essential information for vessel loading, safety management, and stowage feasibility. | VGM submission status, shipping line/NVOCC receipt confirmation, loading feasibility. | Container may not be loaded on the planned vessel; additional confirmation work may be required. | After submission, confirm receipt and whether corrections are allowed. |
Relation to Overweight Issues
During the process of verifying the VGM, overweight issues of containers may arise. If the container’s total maximum weight, road transport restrictions, or port-side acceptance conditions are exceeded, transportation as planned may become impossible.
Especially when loading heavy items into a 20-foot container, even if there is sufficient volume, the weight limit may be reached first. In such cases, changing the number of containers, revising the loading plan, or reviewing the transportation method may be necessary.
Relationship with Uneven Loading
VGM provides information on the total weight, but safety cannot be judged by total weight alone. Even with the same total weight, if the cargo is loaded predominantly on one side, uneven loading issues arise.
Uneven loading affects road transport, port handling, and ship stowage. Therefore, even if the weight is accurate, poor loading balance during container stuffing can still pose safety risks.
The causes of overweight and uneven loading, transport feasibility, stowage adjustments, and issues of cost and responsibility will be covered in a separate article, "Overweight and Uneven Loading." This article focuses primarily on the relationship with the VGM weight verification process.
Common Practical Issues
With VGM, not only the weight information itself, but also container numbers, booking numbers, changes after vanning, submission deadlines, management of multiple containers, overweight, and uneven load distribution tend to cause problems.
| Case | Common Issues | Documents to Check | Practical Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used packing list weight as is | May include only cargo weight, excluding packing materials and container tare weight. | Packing list, packing specifications, container tare weight, vanning records. | Check that no weight items are missing for VGM. |
| Quantity changed just before shipment | Cargo quantity, number of pallets, and packing materials change, causing VGM fluctuations. | Final shipment details, vanning records, change notifications. | Reconfirm VGM based on updated weight. |
| Weighted average used for multiple containers | Processed as identical weight despite differences in the loading contents of each container. | Container-specific loading details, photos, container numbers, VGM list. | Confirm weight for each individual container. |
| Incorrect container tare weight used | Even with the same container size, tare weights may differ. | Container door markings, EIR, container information. | Verify tare weight per container number. |
| Missed VGM submission deadline | Even if CY in-gate is completed, shipping can be delayed due to missing VGM submission. | Booking notice, shipping line/NVOCC notices, VGM cut-off times, submission records. | Manage CY cut-off and VGM submission deadlines separately. |
| Incorrect booking or container number | Risk of registering VGM under the wrong booking or container. | Booking confirmation, container numbers, seal numbers, VGM submission copies. | Verify numbers before submission. |
| Overweight discovered | Potential to exceed container maximum gross weight, road transport limitations, and port acceptance conditions. | VGM, container specifications, road restrictions, loading plans. | Consider changing number of containers, transloading, or transport method. |
| Suspicion of uneven load distribution | Total weight may be acceptable, but left-right or front-back balance could be poor. | Loading diagrams, vanning photos, weight distribution data, work records. | Review weight distribution and adjust loading as necessary. |
| Discrepancies between VGM and shipping documents | Inconsistency with B/L draft, S/I, container number, and seal number. | S/I, B/L draft, VGM submission copies, seal records. | Verify information before preparing shipping documents. |
| Shipment confirmation halted due to VGM deficiencies | Additional checks, corrections, and resubmissions required before vessel loading. | Communication from shipping line/NVOCC, submission records, correction history. | Identify cause, resubmit, and provide explanations to the cargo owner. |
4-Column Verification Checklist
VGM must be confirmed at multiple points, from the quotation and booking stage, after stuffing, before CY in-gate, and prior to shipment.
| Verification Stage | Counterpart to Confirm | Items to Confirm | Actions if Problems Are Found |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before Quotation/Booking | Shipper, Freight Forwarder | Cargo weight, cubic meters (M3), quantity, container size, presence of heavy items. | If there are concerns about weight, reconsider FCL eligibility or container size. |
| At Booking | Freight Forwarder, Shipping Line, NVOCC | VGM submission deadline, submission method, vessel name, voyage number, booking number. | If submission deadlines are unclear, confirm at the time of booking confirmation. |
| At Empty Container Pickup | Drayage Company, Freight Forwarder, Warehouse | Container number, container size, container tare weight, EIR (Equipment Interchange Receipt). | If container tare weight is unknown, confirm by physical measurement or EIR. |
| Before Stuffing | Shipper, Warehouse, Stuffing Contractor, Freight Forwarder | Cargo quantity, packaging weight, pallet weight, securing materials, planned stowage. | Check for possible differences between planned weight and actual stowage content. |
| After Stuffing | Warehouse, Shipper, Freight Forwarder | Actually loaded cargo, quantities, packaging materials, securing materials, seal number. | If there are changes in stowage, recalculate or reconfirm VGM. |
| At VGM Finalization | Shipper, Declarant, Registered Certifying Entity, Freight Forwarder | Finalization method, total weight, weighing records, container number, submitter. | If responsible party or records are unclear, confirm before submission. |
| Before CY In-Gate | Freight Forwarder, Drayage Company, Terminal | CY cut-off, VGM submission deadline, in-gate schedule, overweight status. | If the deadline cannot be met, confirm whether loading is possible. |
| At VGM Submission | Freight Forwarder, Shipping Line, NVOCC | Booking number, container number, seal number, VGM, submission receipt. | If there is a mismatch in numbers or weight errors, correct immediately. |
| Before Shipment | Shipping Line, NVOCC, Freight Forwarder | VGM receipt status, loading approval, need for corrections, rollover risk. | If VGM is missing or defective, confirm re-submission or shipment feasibility. |
| In Case of Accidents or Deficiencies | Shipper, Freight Forwarder, Warehouse, Shipping Line, NVOCC, Insurance Parties | Actual weight, submitted weight, stowage records, timing of accident discovery, overweight or uneven loading status. | Cross-check VGM documentation with operation records to clarify causes. |
Scope of Freight Forwarder Involvement
When a freight forwarder arranges FCL transport consistently, VGM is managed as part of the shipping arrangement. Alongside empty container pickup, stuffing, container sealing, CY in-gate, and shipping documents, submission of the VGM is also an important process.
However, the freight forwarder is not always in a position to finalize the weight. Information such as cargo weight, packing weight, pallet weight, and changes in stowage can only be known by the cargo owner or at the stuffing site. It is necessary to clearly separate the areas where the freight forwarder can assist from those where definitive judgment should not be made.
| Category | Areas Easy to Support | Areas Not to Decide Definitively | Practical Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadline Confirmation | Check the VGM submission deadlines, submission methods, and required information from the shipping line or NVOCC. | Deciding that managing only the CY cut-off is sufficient without checking the deadline. | Manage the CY cut-off and the VGM submission deadline separately. |
| Information Consistency Check | Confirm consistency with booking number, container number, seal number, vessel name, and voyage number. | Submit without verifying the accuracy of numbers or weights. | Cross-check the shipping document information before submitting the VGM. |
| Guidance to Cargo Owner | Advise early confirmation of cargo weight, packing weight, quantity changes, and presence of heavy cargo. | Assuming that the weight information provided by the cargo owner is unconditionally accurate. | Confirm whether the weight is estimated or finalized. |
| Coordination with Stuffing Site | Verify information on the cargo actually loaded, packing materials, securing materials, and seal numbers. | Determining that changes in stowage at the site will not affect the weight. | Verify VGM based on the actual situation after stuffing. |
| Managing Multiple Containers | Manage the VGM, stowage details, and weight differences for each container. | Assuming that all containers have the same weight simply because they contain the same cargo. | Create a VGM list by container number. |
| Handling Deficiencies | Identify causes of non-submission, erroneous submission, number mismatches, and weight inconsistencies. | Deciding responsibility or cost burden before confirming causes. | Check submission records, correction history, and work logs. |
Points for the Cargo Owner to Note
The cargo owner needs to provide the freight forwarder with an accurate cargo weight when requesting FCL transportation. Proceeding with approximate weights or outdated data may affect container size selection, drayage arrangements, stuffing plans, and VGM submission.
Additionally, if the quantity changes immediately before shipment, packing specifications are altered, or the number of pallets increases, the weight information must be reviewed. Failing to inform the freight forwarder of weight changes could result in discrepancies with the VGM or weight overload issues.
Impact of VGM Deficiencies
If the VGM is not submitted, delayed, or inaccurate, it may cause problems with vessel loading. This can result in the cargo not being loaded on the scheduled vessel, additional verification tasks, delays in the shipping schedule, and the need to provide explanations to the shipper.
Additionally, if there is a significant discrepancy between the actual weight and the declared weight, it may also affect subsequent transportation and investigations in case of incidents. In the event of cargo accidents, cargo shift, container damage, or issues during road transport, the accuracy of the weight information could be subject to verification.
Practical Scenarios
Here, we organize common issues related to VGM into scenarios following typical FCL export operations.
Scenario 1: Using Packing List Weight Directly as VGM
The packing list submitted by the shipper may include only the net cargo weight, excluding pallet, wooden frame, securing materials, lashing materials, dunnage, and the container's tare weight. Using this weight directly as the VGM will not match the total gross weight of the loaded container.
In such cases, the VGM submitted to the shipping line or NVOCC may be lighter than the actual weight, which could affect stowage and safety management during vessel loading.
In practice, it should be confirmed whether the packing list weight represents the cargo only, packed weight, or total weight including the container's tare.
Scenario 2: Changes in Quantity or Securing Materials After Vanning
If the cargo quantity increases, packaging specifications change, or more securing and dunnage materials are used than originally planned shortly before shipment, the actual VGM may differ from the initially estimated weight.
If the originally estimated weight is submitted as VGM without reflecting the actual situation after vanning, weight discrepancies will occur.
In practice, vanning records, stowage photos, final quantities, and materials used should be reviewed, and the VGM recalculated or reconfirmed if necessary.
Scenario 3: No Individual Container Weight Management in Multi-Container Shipments
When the same cargo is shipped across multiple containers, the stowage contents, cargo quantities, packaging conditions, securing materials, and container tare weight are not necessarily identical for each container. Applying an average weight to all containers may result in discrepancies with the actual weight per container.
This can lead to overweight issues for specific containers or inconsistencies between container-specific information on shipping documents and actual weights.
In practice, it is necessary to manage loading contents, quantities, container tare weights, seal numbers, and VGM individually by container number.
Scenario 4: Container Arrived by CY Cut-Off but VGM Submission Was Delayed
Even if the loaded container is delivered by the CY cut-off, delays in VGM submission may hinder vessel loading. CY in-gate and VGM submission are managed as separate items.
In such cases, loading on the scheduled vessel may be stopped, additional verification may be required, or the shipping line or NVOCC may request corrections or resubmission.
In practice, separate management of not only the CY cut-off but also the VGM submission deadline, submission destination, submission receipt, and confirmation of acceptance is required.
Scenario 5: Correct VGM but Problems Due to Uneven Load Distribution
Even if the total gross weight as the VGM is correct, uneven distribution of weight within the container, such as biased load in front, back, left, or right sections, can cause issues during road transport, port handling, or vessel stowage.
In this case, the total weight information under the VGM system alone does not fully capture load balance problems. Although related, VGM and load imbalance are distinct issues.
In practice, confirmation should be made not only of total weight but also of the stowage plan, vanning photos, position of heavy items, securing methods, floor load limits, and road transport restrictions.
Practical Significance of VGM
VGM is not merely a weight item on shipping documents. In FCL exports, it is a crucial confirmation point that links empty container arrangements, stuffing, CY in-gate, shipment, and safety management.
Proper management of VGM is important not only to ensure shipment on the scheduled vessel but also to prevent overweight issues, uneven loading, cargo accidents, container damage, and problems during road transport.
Summary
VGM refers to the verified gross mass of a fully loaded container determined before export shipment in FCL operations. It is managed as the total weight including not only the cargo itself but also packaging materials, pallets, lashing, dunnage, and the container’s tare weight.
There are two methods to determine the VGM: weighing the entire loaded container as a whole, or calculating the total by adding the cargo and packing material weights to the container’s tare weight. Accurate weight information and proper record keeping are essential regardless of the method used.
In practice, VGM must be managed in coordination with the CY cutoff, stuffing, container sealing, CY in-gate, and shipping documentation. Even if the container is gated into the CY on time, failure to submit the VGM or discrepancies in the VGM may cause delays in vessel loading.
When the freight forwarder arranges through transport, VGM is a critical verification item to ensure safe vessel loading and maintain the schedule. It is important that the shipper, freight forwarder, warehouse, NVOCC, and shipping line accurately manage weight information for each individual container.
