x Businesses, organizations, private individuals, etc. new to import-export activities need to learn what VGM is and what does it stand for?
x Do you want to know how accurate the formula for calculating VGM is in import and export of goods?
x What is your business's interest in the role and process of confirming VGM weight slips?
At Proship.vn, we will use this sharing article to answer related questions such as what is VGM? How to calculate VGM in import and export activities? How important is VGM in logistics? What does the information on VGM include?,...right below.
What is VGM? Who is responsible for VGM?
What is VGM and who is responsible for VGM are answered as follows:
What is VGM?
What is VGM? VGM stands for "Verified Gross Mass" and is a document specified in SOLAS - Safety of Life at Sea Convention. VGM is also known as the Gross Weight confirmation slip of international shipping containers.
The purpose of VGM is to control container overloading in maritime transport. When the load declaration is incorrect, the loading and unloading, load calculation, and loading position on the container ship are incorrect, leading to serious safety consequences for people, ships, and goods during transportation. move at sea.
Who is responsible for VGM?
The responsibility for implementing and establishing VGM for a container belongs to the shipper and is included in the ocean carrier bill of lading. The shipper is responsible for providing full VGM to the shipping company or at the port according to SOLAS regulations.
Information available on VGM (Verified Gross Mass)
What is the information content contained in VGM? Information required to declare VGM includes:
- Ocean Carrier Booking Number: Sea transport booking number of the shipping company;
- Container Number: Container number;
- Verified Weight: Verified weight;
- Unit of Measurement: Unit of measurement;
- Responsible Party (Shipper named on the carrier's bill of lading): Responsible Party (Shipper's name on the MBL);
- Authorized Person: Authorized person.
Or you can add other information but it is not required such as:
LATEST UPDATE PICTURES OF CONTAINER PROSHIP LOGISTICS TRACTOR
- Weighing Date: Weighing date;
- Shipper's Internal Reference: Shipper's internal control number;
- Weighing Method: How to calculate VGM;
- Ordering Party: Buyer;
- Weighing Facility: Weighing facility;
- Country of Method 2: Water (in case method 2 is used);
- Documentation Holding Party: Party holding documents.
How to calculate VGM accurately in maritime transport
There are two methods of calculating Verified Gross Mass (VGM): directly weighing all goods or weighing the entire truck containing the goods container:
VGM calculation method 1
Before goods are packed into containers, they will be completely weighed using electronic scales. To know the total volume of the cargo container placed on the ship, it is necessary to add the weight of the empty container shell.
VGM calculation method 2
Weigh the entire vehicle containing the cargo container, then weigh the weight of the vehicle without the container. The final mass to be recorded in the VGM slip is the difference between the mass of the vehicle containing the cargo container and the empty vehicle.
Regardless of any calculation method, errors or differences cannot be avoided during the process of weighing and measuring goods. However, VGM accepts a level of error during the weighing and measuring process, with some countries regulating the allowable error level to be 5% of the weight of the goods.
The role of VGM weighing slip in Logistics
What is VGM's role in Logistics? Proship points out some of the following roles of VGM:
Submit the VGM slip to the port
VGM is only related to ports, shipping lines and shippers, not customs clearance activities. In fact, the person responsible for doing the procedures will submit the voucher to the shipping company (or port) and not to the customs officer.
Arrange optimal position for containers on board
When the shipping company knows the weight of each container, the ship operator will choose the most optimal arrangement and position for each container on the ship. The general rule is that heavier items will be placed at the bottom. The calculation software will assist in devising plans to ensure the safety and stability of the ship throughout the transportation process.
Determine the total weight of the cargo container
If the total weight of goods packed in the Container exceeds the allowable load when packing the goods. Shipping lines have the right to refuse to transport goods as well as request to reduce the load (or quantity of goods) before loading the goods onto the ship.
* Note: VGM is a procedure to determine the weight of goods, not a type of customs document.
Process of steps to confirm VGM
First, you need to know the relevant parties in the VGM process including:
- Shipper: Responsible for determining and declaring VGM accurately and promptly;
- Freight forwarder: Supports shippers to declare VGM and other related procedures;
- Shipping line (Carrier): Receive VGM information from the shipper, check its validity and use it to load and unload containers;
- Seaport (Port): Inspect and monitor compliance with VGM regulations by shippers and shipping lines;
- Maritime management agency: Issue and monitor the implementation of VGM regulations, handle violations.
VGM confirmation process for FCL and LCL goods:
Full container cargo (FCL)
Steps in the warehouse closing process:
- Step 1:
Goods owners register to weigh goods at the warehouse to prepare for VGM weighing;
- Step 2:
The goods owner/Forwarder/Logistics Company together with the weighing department at the warehouse conduct the VGM weighing process;
- Step 3:
The warehouse provides 2 copies of VGM, one for the shipper and one kept at the warehouse. If the VGM scale weight exceeds the maximum weight, the shipper must adjust the quantity of goods. Only when the VGM weight meets the standard can the goods be loaded onto the ship;
- Step 4:
The goods owner provides the VGM Certificate to the shipping company to notify the exact weight of the container.
Steps of the closing process at the yard:
- Step 1:
The goods owner pays the fee to the port trade department or carries out procedures for issuing documents (TCT), then receives invoices and yard entry and exit notes;
- Step 2:
The goods owner provides the yard entry and exit slip to the container weighing staff to begin the weighing process;
- Step 3 and Step 4:
Same as above.
LCL container cargo (LCL)
VGM confirmation process for LCL retail goods:
- Step 1:
The goods owner makes payment at the Port Trade Department to receive the import-export slip (delivery note) and proceed to receive the goods. The goods are then weighed;
- Step 2:
The goods owner submits the import-export form filled in with cargo weight information to the shipping department. After the goods are weighed and Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is determined, the goods owner sends this slip to the Shipping Unit to continue the transportation process.
What is VGM , how to calculate Verified Gross Mass, what is the process of confirming VGM for FCL full containers and LCL retail goods,... are specialized knowledge that has been conveyed and clarified by Proship. For any questions related to the Verified Gross Mass VGM voucher, contact immediately 0909 344 247 to receive advice and answers about the best cheap Multi-modal transport services.
