Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is the total verified weight of a shipping container, including the cargo, dunnage, bracing materials, and the container's tare weight. VGM means in shipping that the weight is officially confirmed and documented as a mandatory requirement under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. The verified gross mass in shipping ensures safety during maritime transport, and the shipper is responsible for calculating and providing the VGM before the container is loaded onto the vessel.
Verified gross mass in shipping can be determined using two SOLAS-approved methods:
VGM is vital for maintaining safety standards in maritime shipping. Accurate weight verification ensures ships are loaded properly and remain stable during transit. Misdeclared weights can lead to overloaded ships, uneven load distribution, and increased risks of accidents, jeopardizing the vessel, its crew, and the cargo. Compliance with VGM requirements mitigates these risks and enhances the overall safety and efficiency of shipping operations.
