VGM
Container types & equipmentVerified Gross Mass
The certified total weight of a packed container that the shipper must give the carrier before it can be loaded.
In practice
Required under SOLAS since 2016. Either weigh the packed container (method 1) or add the cargo, packing, and container tare (method 2). Submitted by the VGM cut-off, usually to the carrier's portal or via the forwarder. No VGM, no load.
Seen in the wild
VGM 24,850 kg submitted via method 2, tare 3,850 kg.
Watch out
VGM includes the container tare weight. Submitting cargo weight alone under-declares by 2 to 4 tonnes.