# Weight Load Submission (VGM)

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> When booking a container for ocean freight, the shipper is legally required to determine and submit the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of the packed container to the carrier and terminal operator before a terminal-set cut-off.

When booking a container for ocean freight, the shipper is legally required to determine and submit the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of the packed container to the carrier and terminal operator before a terminal-set cut-off. The obligation derives from SOLAS Chapter VI, Regulation 2.5, which became mandatory worldwide in 2016 to prevent accidents caused by undeclared overweight containers. Two methods are permitted: weighing the entire packed and sealed container (Method 1), or adding individually weighed cargo items to the container tare weight (Method 2). Cut-off deadlines vary by port and carrier but typically fall several hours to a full day before vessel departure. A missing or significantly inaccurate VGM declaration can result in the container being refused for loading.

**Source:** [https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/VGM.aspx](https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/VGM.aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Weight Load Submission (VGM) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 119 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/VGM.aspx |

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