In the field of import and export, we need to notify the weight status of the container so that the shipping company can calculate and arrange the container on the ship safely. Therefore, import and export goods need to have a certificate confirming the total weight (Gross Weight) of both the container and the goods being VGM. So what is VGM? Let's find out with Giaiphapdonggoi.net!
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1. What is VGM?
VGM stands for the English term Verified Gross Mass. This document is specified in SOLAS (full name Safety of Life at Sea convention) - public safety of human life at sea.
This SOLAS Convention is supplemented by the World Maritime Organization (IMO) in the method of transporting goods by sea, requiring the shipper to make a VGM slip before the goods can be loaded on the ship. The main purpose of the convention is to set minimum standards of construction to protect the safety of all seafarers on board ships as well as passengers included. The scope of activities is carried out for commercial ships, passenger ships and not for military ships, fishing vessels, cruise ships without commercial activities, ships of less than 500 gross tonnage and ships with propulsion device.
Before being loaded onto the ship, the weight must be determined through the VGM ticket, so that the shipping company can arrange the goods reasonably, avoiding the disparate arrangement that can easily cause shipwreck.
If the weight of the goods is not known in advance, it will be difficult to control the weight on the ship. Therefore, VGM balance sheet plays an important role in export activities. If the shipper does not provide VGM or declares the wrong weight of the container, all costs incurred will be borne by the shipper.
2. How to calculate VGM
VGM will have to show how much the container has packed, this volume includes: container shell and goods inside.
There are 2 ways to calculate VGM:
Method 1: Weigh the full weight of the goods before putting them into the container and then add the weight of the container.
Method 2: Weigh the container truck, then weigh the truck without the container when it is lowered. Next is to subtract the data to know how much this container weighs.
Weighing locations need to ensure objectivity and honesty in order to have accurate data. The shipper declares and is solely responsible for the data on this document.
Note: The second way is often impractical for bulk shipments.
3. Main content of VGM . Voucher
Name, address, phone number of shipper
Container parameters: container number, container type, maximum volume, confirmed maximum volume, etc.
In addition, there should be a commitment of the shipper to take responsibility for the accuracy of the data on VGM.
After declaring the above contents, the goods owner shall sign, seal and submit it to the shipping company (or the port designated by the shipping line) to complete the relevant operations.
>> Refer to the product of plastic straps used to pack goods
4. VGM . confirmation process
For container goods packed at the warehouse, follow the following procedure:
Step 1: Register to weigh the goods at the warehouse.
Step 2: Shippers coordinate with the weighing department when supervising the weighing of VGM.
Step 3: The warehouse will issue 2 copies of VGM including: 1 copy will be kept by the goods owner and 1 copy will be stored at the warehouse.
Note: If the scale exceeds the maximum weight, the goods owner needs to remove the goods and when the scale reaches the VGM standard weight, the goods will be loaded on the ship.
Step 4: Cargo owner will give VGM weight slip to shipping company.
For containers packed at the yard, follow these steps:
Step 1: The goods owner pays the fee for the port deal or issues the TCT documents, receives the invoice and the import and export note.
Step 2: The owner of the goods enters the entry and exit slip for the staff to weigh the container.
Steps 3 and 4 are similar.
For LCL retail goods
Step 1: The goods owner pays the fee at the port deal to receive the import and export slip (receiving and weighing the goods).
Step 2: The goods owner submits the warehouse receipt to weigh the goods. After weighing and determining VGM, the slip will be submitted to the shipping unit (shipping line).
We hope that the above information about the VGM voucher will help you to understand the information presented on the voucher, its calculation and related issues. Hope to have useful information for readers.
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