VGM in US FBA ocean transportation refers to the verified gross mass of a container, i.e., the sum of the gross weight of the goods and the tare weight of the container, including packaging and padding.VGM is known as Verified Gross Mass (VGM), which is the official standard English name and is also known as "Container Weighing and Re-gauging".

In ocean transportation, shippers are required to provide accurate VGM information to the carrier in order for the carrier to assess transportation risk and arrange loading. If the VGM information is not submitted after the deadline, the shipment will not be loaded.

When providing VGM information, shippers are required to measure using one of the following two methods.

1. weighing the container as a whole when it has been loaded, locked and sealed.

2. Weigh all individual pieces of the container (including bales, pallets, dyes, and other packaging and fixing materials) and add them together, plus the tare weight of the container as shown on the container door to obtain the verified total weight.

Regardless of the method used, the weighing equipment used must comply with local regulations and the verified weight document must be signed by the shipper and submitted to the carrier via electronic transmission or physical document in real time.

When submitting VGM information, the following points should be noted: 1.

1. The shipper on the bill of lading must provide accurate VGM information to the shipping company or shipping agent before the VGM information deadline. At present, the VGM deadline is tentatively set to be submitted before the return of heavy cases, and the exact time is subject to the SO of each carrier.

2. Carrier shall not be responsible for any liability arising from missing or incorrect VGM information. The submitted VGM information has no relationship with ocean freight, bill of lading weight, customs declaration weight, but is only a commitment to safety, the carrier will not advise or help to fill in the VGM information.

3. The shipper on the bill of lading is solely responsible for any changes in ocean freight and other costs incurred due to problems caused by missing or incorrect VGM information (such as not being able to board the ship, pushing the voyage, etc.).

4. Terminals and carriers will not verify the accuracy of VGM, but terminals can be questioned, IMO will be implemented in the global ports of sampling inspection, once the problem occurs by the shipper on the bill of lading to bear the relevant responsibilities.

5. Currently, VGM information is aimed at port mother ships, barges and inland transportation are not included in the scope. Shipments of empty containers and bulk cargoes do not need to submit VGM information, the container must be provided.

6. VGM is not related to the deadline of bill of lading, it can be submitted together with bill of lading information or separately. Any way of submission must be before the deadline.

7. Container verification of the weight of the error range between the weight shall not exceed ± 5% or 1 ton (the lesser of the two), and the weight does not exceed the container assortment of approved load.

8. Maritime administrations at all levels will carry out random checks on the weight verification of loaded containers carried by ships.