The VERIFIED GROSS MASS (VGM) is an implementation by the International Maritime Organization as a safety measure for life at sea. This method was implemented on July 1, 2016 and requires that the gross weight of the containers be verified prior to entering the terminal.
There are two methods for the validation of VERIFIED GROSS MASS (VGM):
CONSOLIDATED CONTAINER, WEIGHT CERTIFIED BASE.
This method is about consolidating the container at the customer’s plant, once closed and sealed, it is sent to a certified scale to be weighed. Once the weighing is done, a ticket is issued and this one has to be presented and/or entered before the shipping company.
WEIGHT OF GOODS + CONTAINER TARE:
This technique consists of adding the total weight of the merchandise plus the tare weight of the container (previously weighed or consulted with the shipping company). This method involves receiving a letterhead from the exporting company.