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DGX - Dependable Global Express
5/17/2016
Safety
of Life at Sea (SOLAS) - Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
The
International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee has
approved and adopted changes to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention
regarding a mandatory container weight verification requirement on shippers. This is an effort the committee has been
advocating for many years. The Dangerous
Goods, Solid Cargo and Containers (DSC) sub-committee approved changes to the
SOLAS convention that will require verification of container weights before
loaded containers may be placed aboard ships.
This requirement makes container weight verification a condition for
vessel loading and will become legally binding on July 1, 2016.
Some
frequently asked questions on this matter include:
What does it mean to provide a Verified
Gross Mass (VGM)?
● The
VGM is the certified gross cargo weight (including weight of all packing
material) plus the container tare weight (i.e. weight of empty / un-laden
container).
Who is responsible to provide the VGM?
● The
Shipper on the master bill of lading is responsible for providing the VGM to
the carrier. The carrier is responsible
for relaying the VGM to the terminal.
What is the date of implementation?
● July
1, 2016
When is VGM required?
● VGM
is required prior to shipment. Cargo
will not be loaded onto a vessel unless a certified VGM is provided.
Why is VGM needed?
● SOLAS
is an IMO global mandatory regulatory requirement. VGM is used for vessel planning and safe
stowage of cargo.
What happens if VGM cannot be provided?
● Cargo
will not be loaded.
Will there be a fee to file VGM?
● While
industry standard fee structures have not yet emerged, it is expected that
shippers and/or consignees will bear the extra expenses associated with
obtaining and reporting VGM.
What documentation will be required to
confirm VGM?
● A signed, certified VGM confirmation will be
required. These shipping instructions
verify the VGM and should be signed by a person duly authorized by the shipper.
What methods can be used for calculating
the VGM?
● There are two methods for calculating VGM:
● Weigh
the entire packed / laden container
● Weigh
all container contents (i.e. cargo/packages, packaging and dunnage material)
and add the tare weight (i.e. weight of empty / un-laden container)
We expect global standards for electronic
transmission of required VGM data to emerge and finalize in the months
ahead. DGX Is working to develop a
global VGM reporting process and will keep you informed accordingly. You may also wish to refer to following link
to view additional information and references:
DGX - SOLAS/VGM
Rate
Changes
The
following rate changes apply by origin/destination, respectfully:
|
RATE NAME
|
EFFECTIVE DATE
|
APPLIES TO
|
AMOUNT
|
|
Low Sulphur Surcharge (LSS) Decrease
|
7/1/16
|
From United States, West Coast, East
Coast and Canada to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti and Papua new Guinea
|
FCL:
US $15/20’ | US $30/40’
LCL: remains the same at $1 W/M
|
|
Low Sulphur Surcharge ASIA Decrease
|
4/30/2016
|
From United States West Coast to
Northeast and Southeast Asia
|
FCL:
US $23/20' | US $29/40'
LCL $1 WM
|
Should
you have additional questions, please contact your local representative or call
our Corporate office at 1-310-669-8888 (local USA) or
1-888-488-4888 (toll-free).
Thank
you for your business - we appreciate it!
Sincerely,
Brad
Dechter
President