GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Weight Load Submission (VGM)
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.
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Source: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/VGM.aspx
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Definition & Explanation
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.
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