Definitions #
The verified gross mass: the total weight of a packed container, including its contents, packaging, and dunnage, which has to be certified before it is loaded onto a ship.
Technical The mandatory container gross weight declaration required by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee under SOLAS chapter VI/2, obtained by weighing a packed container (method 1) or by adding tare, cargo, pallets, and dunnage (method 2).
Example The shipper submitted a VGM of 22,800 kg to the carrier before the container was gated in at the terminal.
Etymology #
Acronym for 'Verified Gross Mass'; introduced in 2016 via an amendment to SOLAS as a safety response to overweight containers.
Collocations #
- VGM cut-off time The carrier's deadline by which the verified gross mass must be submitted before loading.
- VGM declaration The formal statement from the shipper giving the verified container weight.
- VGM weight The certified total weight of a packed container.
- submit VGM Transmit the verified gross mass data to the carrier or liner system.
- missing VGM A container without a verified gross mass; such containers are not loaded per SOLAS.
Real Business Examples #
- Containers without a VGM will not be loaded onto the vessel, in accordance with SOLAS.
- The port controller rejected the overweight VGM and required the container to be restowed.
Register & Variants #
- Register: formal
- BrE/AmE: Global regulatory term; the acronym VGM is standard in liner shipping and port operation documents worldwide.
Synonyms & Antonyms #
- Synonyms: verified gross mass, container gross weight
Common Errors #
- Using the cargo weight as the VGM. VGM must include the container tare weight and all packing, pallets, and dunnage.
- Assuming the carrier can take the VGM from the shipper's booking information. The shipper is legally obliged to submit the VGM; the carrier must not use estimates.
- Forgetting to update the VGM when cargo is added. The VGM must reflect the final loaded state before the container is tendered to the carrier.
Confusable Terms #
- Cargo gross weight vs VGM
- Cargo gross weight is the weight of the goods including packaging but excluding the container tare; VGM includes the container tare and dunnage.
- Tare weight vs VGM
- Tare weight is the empty container's weight; VGM is the sum of tare weight plus cargo and all packing material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can obtain the VGM??
Only the shipper named on the bill of lading, or a representative such as a freight forwarder acting with the shipper's authority, can sign the VGM.
Can an overweight container be loaded if the vessel has capacity??
Not necessarily: port equipment limits, stowage plans, and SOLAS stability requirements may still prevent acceptance, even after the VGM is filed.
Is VGM mandatory for all cargo??
For packed containers transported by sea under SOLAS, yes; certain exceptions apply to some bulk and breakbulk cargo.
Published: 2026-09-22 Category: Shipping