Dry goods | Don't bother with "weighing", how does VGM weigh?

With the increasing trend of large-scale containers, the situation of overloading and overloading of containers occurs from time to time, which seriously threatens the safety of ship navigation, terminal operations and road transportation, and even endangers the safety of life.

In this context, VGM came into being. A number of shipping companies have previously stated that in order to avoid failure to ship due to weight discrepancies, delays in shipping schedules, and unnecessary fines, please be sure to declare the VGM accurately.

01. What is VGM?

English name: VERIFIED GROSS MASS

Chinese name: verified container gross weight

Industry customary name: container weighing re-regulation

02. The origin of VGM

Relevant requirements implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in order to increase maritime safety and reduce transportation risks caused by overweight containers. VGM is suitable for global sea transportation.

International Convention on VGM

The International Maritime Organization issued the relevant requirements for the implementation of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS Convention) on export container weight verification (VGM). /or provided by a docker representativecontainer weight, otherwise the container is no longer allowed to load.

The new regulations clearly state:

1. The shipper is responsible for providing the container weight.

2. There are two approved weighing methods to determine the container weight.

3. Terminal operators are obliged to ensure that only containers with verified weight can be boarded.

Domestic regulations on VGM

1. Article 47 of the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Ship Safety Supervision":

For a container loaded with cargo to be delivered to a ship for international transportation, the consignor shall verify the weight of the container by the overall weighing method or the cumulative calculation method before delivery to the ship for transportation, so as to ensure that the verified weight of the container does not exceed its nominal maximum operating total weight. Quality, the error of the actual weight shall not exceed 5% and the maximum error shall not exceed 1 ton, and the verification information such as verification weight, verification method and verification statement shall be indicated on the shipping documents, and provided to the carrier and port operator.

The shipper who adopts the cumulative algorithm shall formulate a weight verification procedure in compliance with the regulations of the Ministry of Transport and carry out the weight verification of the loaded container according to the procedure.

The carrier shall not load the container without the verification information or the verified weight exceeds the maximum operating total mass.

2. Article 56 of the "Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Ship Safety Supervision":

Violation of these rules, in the operation of international container cargo transportation by ships, under any of the following circumstances, the maritime safety administration shall impose a fine of not less than 1,000 yuan but not more than 30,000 yuan:

(1) The error between the verified weight provided by the shipper and the actual weight exceeds 5% or 1 ton;

(2) The carrier carries containers that have not obtained verification information or whose verified weight exceeds the maximum operating total mass.

03. What are the weighing methods of VGM?

1. Overall weighing method:After the goods are packed and the door is closed, the overall load bearing of the loaded container.

Note: The equipment used to verify the total weight of the container should meet the accuracy standards and requirements of the measurement supervision department for the equipment, and certification is required.

Source: Xiamen Maritime Safety Administration Invasion and deletion

Calculation formula: (total weight of trailer loaded with containers) – (weight of trailer head, frame and fuel tank gasoline/diesel) = VGM weight

2. Accumulated load-bearing method:Add up the load-bearing cargo and its packaging plus the self-weight of the container.

STEP 1: Calculate the weight of the cargo. The weight of bulk goods can be calculated during the production process using a graduated filling machine or by weighing the bulk of the goods.

STEP 2: Calculate the weight of the package. Obtain from packaging material manufacturer.

Source: Xiamen Maritime Safety Administration Invasion and deletion

Calculation formula: (the weight of the cargo) (the total weight of packaging materials such as pallets, padding and other filling and securing materials) (the weight of the container) = VGM weight

04. VGM submission process

Consignor → consignor booking agent (forwarder) → ship owner or ship agent → port area and ship.

STEP 1

The shipper is responsible for providing the actual weight of the goods to the booking agent.

STEP 2

The booking agent is responsible for sending the shipowner or shipowner’s agent in EDI form.

STEP 3

Then send it to the port area and ship by the ship owner or ship agent.

05. Can VGM data be modified?

A. The shipping company allows modification before the deadline;

B. After the deadline, modification is allowed, but the shipping company needs to charge;

C. 6 hours before the berthing of the ship, in principle, no changes will be accepted. (Specifically follow the regulations of the shipping company)

06. Is there any remedial measure for failure to submit VGM data?

For export containers without VGM information, the consignor can choose to submit a weighing application to the port area when entering the port, and the port area will issue a VGM report and charge a certain fee.

Summarize:

For the safety of ship navigation and terminal operations, the shipper should enhance the responsibility awareness of the main body of safety, assume the responsibility and obligation to verify the actual weight of the loaded container before delivery to the ship for transportation, and truthfully inform the cargo agent or carrier of the basic situation of the cargo, Minimize the potential safety hazards of ships caused by errors.