VGM (Verified Gross Mass)
VGM is the verified gross mass of a packed container, mandatory under SOLAS Chapter VI Regulation 2 since 1 July 2016. Method 1 weighs the packed and sealed container; method 2 adds up all packages, pallets, dunnage and securing material and then the container tare, for example 2,230 kg for a 20GP. The shipper named on the B/L is responsible for the VGM, and a container without one must not be loaded. Tolerances are set nationally, so check the local authority and terminal rules.
Related terms
- Tare Weight
Tare is the weight of the empty container and is printed on the door and the CSC plate.
- Maximum Gross Mass
Maximum gross mass (MGW) is the limit for the total weight of a container and its contents, as stated on the CSC plate.
- Stowage Plan
A stowage plan is the planned position of every container or cargo unit on board a vessel, built by line and terminal planners before the ship berths.
- Shipping Instruction (SI)
A shipping instruction is the shipper's instruction to the carrier or forwarder from which the B/L is prepared.
- Closing Time (Cut-off)
Closing time is the last moment a full container may gate in at the terminal and still be loaded on a given vessel.
Covered in these guides
Multi-Port Stowage Planning: POD Sequencing, Reserved Slots and Per-Leg Conditions
How to plan stowage across a port rotation, POD sequencing, forecast bookings and reserved slots, per-leg departure checks and an Indonesian domestic rotation example.
5 min read Vessel stowageContainer Lashing on Ships: Twistlocks, Lashing Rods, Stack Weights and Roll Forces
How container lashing works on ships, from twistlocks, rods and lashing bridges to stack weight limits, roll forces, the Cargo Securing Manual and parametric rolling.
6 min read Vessel stowageVGM in Vessel Stowage Planning: Discrepancy Thresholds, Hold Status and VERMAS
How planners use SOLAS VI/2 VGM in the stowage plan, VGM vs booking weight thresholds, the no VGM no load Hold status, VERMAS EDI and the effect on stability.
6 min read Vessel stowageContainer Ship Bay Planning: Pre-stow, POD Blocks and Stack Limits
How a planner builds a container ship bay plan, from pre-stow by POD, stack weights, hold vs deck, reefers, OOG and 45ft boxes to hatch covers.
6 min read Maritime professionalsCentre of Gravity and Weight Distribution in Containers and Trucks
How to calculate a cargo centre of gravity from moments, keep weight balanced lengthwise and across, and apply the ±5% guideline to 20ft and 40ft containers.
5 min read Maritime professionalsVGM under SOLAS: Methods 1 and 2, Responsibilities and a Worked Example
A practical SOLAS VGM guide for shippers in Indonesia covering methods 1 and 2, shipper responsibility, cut-off, a worked container example and common mistakes.
5 min read