What is VGM?
VGM stands for Verified Gross Mass. It is the total weight of a packed container, including:
- The tare weight of the container (the empty container itself)
- The weight of all cargo, pallets, packaging, and securing materials inside
Since July 2016, it has been a legal requirement under the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention that every full container must have a verified gross mass before it can be loaded onto a vessel.
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Why is VGM important?
Safety is the main reason VGM is mandatory. Without accurate weights:
- Vessels can be improperly loaded, affecting balance and stability
- Containers may be stacked incorrectly, leading to collapse or damage
- Trucks and cranes may be overloaded, increasing the risk of accidents
Incorrect VGM declarations have caused containers to be rejected, delayed, or even result in shipping lines offloading them at the port. That’s not only costly but can severely disrupt your supply chain.
At Barrington Freight, we’ve seen customers nearly miss critical sailings due to incorrect or late VGM submissions. In one case, a last-minute amendment to a VGM declaration meant we had to rebook a container space for the following week, delaying the delivery by seven days and costing the client both time and money.
How is VGM determined?
There are two approved methods for determining VGM:
Method 1: Weighing the loaded container
This involves physically weighing the sealed container using a certified and calibrated weighbridge or similar equipment. This is the most accurate method, but not always accessible depending on the site.Method 2: Weighing contents and adding tare weight
Here, you weigh all cargo items, pallets, dunnage, and packing materials separately, then add the container’s tare weight (which is printed on its door). This method requires careful calculation and is more prone to error if items are missed or estimated.
Regardless of the method, the weighing must be carried out using certified equipment, and the weight must be submitted in a timely and accurate manner.
Who is responsible for submitting VGM?
The responsibility lies with the shipper named on the bill of lading. That’s often the exporter or their freight forwarder acting on their behalf.
At Barrington Freight, we take care of this for many of our clients, particularly SMEs who don’t have in-house logistics teams. We work closely with trusted partners at UK ports and inland terminals to ensure VGM declarations are submitted on time, reducing the risk of delays or compliance issues.
At Barrington Freight, we specialise in making your importing and exporting straightforward. From customs clearance to finding the right commodity codes, our expert team is here to assist. Don’t let the complexities of global trade hold you back. Reach out to Barrington Freight for efficient and reliable shipping solutions.
How is VGM submitted?
Each shipping line has its own cut-off times and procedures. Most accept VGM submissions via:
- Online portals
- EDI systems
- Email (in some cases)
It’s vital that the VGM is submitted before the shipping line’s deadline; otherwise, the container may be rolled to a later vessel, which could cause significant knock-on effects for your operations.
We’ve built long-standing relationships with major carriers like MSC, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd, which allows us to stay on top of changing VGM procedures and deadlines. Our clients benefit from that up-to-date knowledge.
What happens if VGM is not provided?
If VGM is not submitted, or is incorrect:
- The container will not be loaded onto the vessel
- You may be charged penalties or storage fees
- Your shipment may be delayed or rerouted
For example, one client of ours exporting machinery to the Middle East had used an outdated tare weight for the container. The shipping line rejected the VGM submission, and the container missed its sailing. With our help, we quickly arranged reweighing and resubmission, but it added three days and over £400 in costs.
Tips for getting VGM right
Here are some practical steps to ensure your VGM is accurate and timely:
- Use certified weighing equipment
- Double-check all calculations, including packaging and pallets
- Keep tare weight records updated
- Allow enough time before vessel cut-off
- Work with an experienced freight forwarder who can manage submissions on your behalf
At Barrington Freight, we assist many of our B2B clients by handling VGM declarations as part of our end-to-end freight services. Whether you’re shipping full containers from the UK to Europe or beyond, we make sure compliance is one less thing to worry about.
Conclusion
VGM may seem like a technical detail, but it plays a vital role in the safety and efficiency of global shipping. Failing to comply can lead to delays, extra charges, or worse. Understanding how VGM works, and having the right support to manage it, is key to keeping your supply chain moving.
If you’re unsure about your VGM obligations or need help ensuring compliance, speak to the team at Barrington Freight. With decades of experience in container shipping and close relationships with UK ports and carriers, we can help you avoid the common pitfalls and ship with confidence.
About the Author
Simon Poole began his career in production planning, quickly rising to manage 24-hour manufacturing lines and oversee a team of 140 staff. In 2007, he joined Barrington Freight, where he brought his operational expertise into the logistics sector. Appointed Operations Director in 2021, Simon now leads all day-to-day operations, including sea, air and European freight, working closely with clients and partners worldwide.
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