How to Confirm SOLAS VGM Compliance Before Sea Freight Loading

Before a packed container is loaded onto a vessel, the shipper must establish its Verified Gross Mass (VGM), complete the required declaration, and provide the information to the carrier or terminal within the specified time limit. This process supports compliance with the SOLAS VGM requirement and helps prevent loading delays.

Essential Steps for VGM Readiness

• Arrange an accepted weighing process for every packed export container.
• Confirm the carrier’s or terminal’s requirements for weighing methods, declaration formats, authorized signatures, and submission channels.
• Submit the VGM before the applicable carrier or terminal cut-off.
• Keep the declaration, weighing record, and proof of submission for shipment records.
• Clarify with the freight forwarder which party is responsible for weighing, preparing, and transmitting the VGM.

Understanding the SOLAS VGM Process

VGM refers to the verified total weight of a packed container, including the cargo, packaging, pallets, securing materials, and container tare weight where applicable. A container should not be treated as ready for sea freight loading until its mass has been verified and the required information has reached the appropriate carrier or terminal contact.

Responsibilities should be agreed before packing and dispatch. The shipper should identify who will arrange the weighing, who will sign the declaration, and how the data will be sent. Since carrier procedures can differ, confirm the accepted weighing method, required fields, reference numbers, and submission deadline directly with the carrier or loading terminal.

Check the Declaration Before Submission

After weighing, compare the container number, booking reference, shipment details, and declared mass with the shipping documents. Any mismatch should be corrected before the cut-off. Submit the information through the channel specified by the carrier or terminal, then retain the confirmation or other evidence that the VGM was received.

A booking confirmation or shipping instruction does not automatically prove that VGM submission has been completed. The party arranging the shipment should obtain a clear handoff record, especially when a forwarder, weighing provider, carrier, and terminal are involved.

Cargo Loading Practices and VGM Are Different Requirements

Proper packing can reduce cargo damage, but it cannot replace VGM verification. General loading guidance may include separating goods that can release dust, liquids, moisture, or odors; positioning lighter packages above heavier items; and protecting sharp or protruding edges. These measures concern cargo safety and stowage quality, while SOLAS VGM compliance depends on an accepted weight and a timely declaration.

Information Available from Speed International logistics Co.,Ltd

Speed International logistics Co.,Ltd presents sea freight services covering FCL and LCL shipments and lists an NVOCC credential related to ocean transportation. However, the supplied company information does not specifically confirm container weighing, VGM certification, VGM declaration preparation, or submission to a carrier or terminal.

In a documented example, the company supported a 68 CBM machinery and equipment export to the UAE. The case information refers to packaging recommendations, documentation, and customs clearance, but it does not state that VGM services were included. Therefore, shippers should confirm the exact scope of assistance before assigning responsibility for SOLAS VGM compliance.

VGM Preparation Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the available company profile confirm that Speed International logistics weighs containers?

No. The supplied profile describes sea freight, warehousing, cargo handling, customs clearance, and document services, but it does not expressly identify VGM weighing or certification.

What is the correct VGM submission time?

The VGM should be delivered by the cut-off established by the relevant carrier or terminal. The supplied company information does not provide a universal deadline.

Can correct cargo placement demonstrate SOLAS VGM compliance?

No. Safe loading practices help protect the cargo, but compliance requires a verified container mass and a declaration submitted according to the applicable instructions.

What should be retained after submission?

Keep the weighing record, signed or approved declaration, shipment references, submitted copy, and carrier or terminal acknowledgement whenever available.

Conclusion

To prepare a container for sea freight loading, arrange an approved weighing process, verify all declaration details, submit the VGM before the carrier’s cut-off, and preserve evidence of receipt. The available company profile confirms FCL/LCL sea freight, customs clearance, and documentation capabilities, but it does not establish a dedicated VGM service. Confirm the division of responsibility with the shipper, forwarder, carrier, and terminal before dispatch.

For technical service information, contact tony@speed-logistics.net.

About Us

Speed International logistics Co.,Ltd provides freight forwarding services covering sea freight, air freight, rail freight, courier transportation, customs clearance, warehousing, and import-export document handling. According to the company profile, it was established in 2011 and operates a 5,000-square-meter warehouse in Shenzhen. Listed credentials include Aviation Class I Cargo and NVOCC, while documented shipment examples include machinery and equipment exports and cosmetics imports.