VGM is the verified total weight of a packed container, including the cargo, packing material and the container itself. It must be declared to the carrier before loading, and the shipper is responsible for it.
What does VGM include?
The verified gross mass is the sum of the cargo, the packing and securing materials, and the tare weight of the container. It is the real weight of the box as it will be loaded, not an estimate from the packing list.
Why is it required?
Wrong container weights are a safety risk for ships, terminals and crews. Under the international safety rules for shipping, a packed container without a verified weight cannot be loaded on a vessel.
Who provides it and how?
The shipper is responsible for providing the VGM to the carrier and the terminal in time for the stowage plan. In general it is obtained either by weighing the packed container, or by weighing the cargo and packing materials separately and adding the container tare.
Send the VGM together with your booking details and keep the weighing record. Ask your forwarder which format and deadline apply to your booking.