What is VGM and why is it required?

VGM stands for Verified Gross Mass — the total weight of a packed container including all cargo, packaging, dunnage, lashing materials, and the container's own tare weight. It has been required by SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulation since July 1, 2016. The rule was introduced after container stack collapses caused by inaccurately declared weights. No container can be loaded onto a vessel without a verified, documented VGM.

What is the difference between VGM Method 1 and Method 2?

Method 1 involves weighing the entire packed container on a calibrated certified scale — the result is the VGM. Method 2 involves weighing all individual cargo items, packaging, dunnage, and lashing materials separately, then adding the container's tare weight. Method 2 is more common because it doesn't require a certified scale at the stuffing location.

Where do I find the container tare weight?

The tare weight is stamped or painted on the container door plate — the metal data plate attached to the container door. It shows the tare weight (T), maximum payload (P), and maximum gross weight (R). Typical tare weights: 20ft dry ~2,200 kg, 40ft dry ~3,750 kg, 40ft HC ~3,900 kg, 45ft HC ~4,800 kg. Always use the actual plate value, not industry averages.

Who is responsible for submitting the VGM?

Under SOLAS, the shipper of record (the party named as shipper on the Bill of Lading) is legally responsible for VGM submission. The shipper may authorize a freight forwarder, terminal operator, or 3PL to submit on their behalf, but legal responsibility remains with the shipper. The VGM declaration must be signed by an authorized representative.

What happens if VGM is not submitted or is incorrect?

If VGM is not submitted before the carrier's documentation cutoff, the container will not be loaded. If VGM is submitted but found to be materially incorrect (e.g., actual weight differs significantly from declared VGM), the carrier or terminal can refuse loading, hold the container, or report the shipper to maritime authorities. Fines vary by jurisdiction but can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Does VGM apply to LCL (less than container load) shipments?

For LCL shipments, the freight forwarder or consolidator (NVOCC) who stuffs the container is typically treated as the shipper for VGM purposes. Individual LCL shippers provide verified cargo weights to the consolidator, who then calculates and submits the container VGM. If you ship LCL, your forwarder handles the VGM — but you are responsible for providing accurate cargo weights.

Can I use the manufacturer's weight from a data sheet for Method 2?

Generally yes — commercially packaged cargo where the weight is certified by the manufacturer is acceptable for Method 2. This includes items sold in standardized packaging with declared weight. However, the shipper must be able to demonstrate that the weights used are verified and accurate. Estimated or guessed weights are not compliant.

What is the Maximum Gross Mass (MGM) and can I exceed it?

MGM is the maximum permitted gross weight of a loaded container, stamped on the container door plate. For most standard ISO containers it is 30,480 kg. Your VGM must not exceed the MGM. If actual loaded weight exceeds MGM, the cargo must be restuffed into a larger or additional container. Carriers will refuse containers where VGM exceeds MGM.

VGM / SOLAS Weight Calculator

Calculate the Verified Gross Mass of your packed container — SOLAS-compliant, in seconds

Container type

Auto-filled from container type — verify with container door plate

Container number (optional)

Cargo item kg / unit Qty Line kg

—

kg / unit

Qty

—

Packaging materials (kg)

Dunnage & lashing (kg)

Container tare weight (kg)

Enter cargo weights above

SOLAS Methods

Two methods — one legal requirement

SOLAS regulations allow two approved methods for determining VGM. Method 2 is the most common for packed containers.

Method 1

Method 1 — Weigh the packed container

The entire packed and sealed container is placed on a calibrated, certified weighing device. The resulting weight is the VGM. Simple in concept, but requires a certified scale at the stuffing location — often unavailable at shipper premises.

When to use

Best for: Large exporters with on-site certified scales, container freight stations (CFS)

Method 2 — Used by this calculator

Method 2 — Sum of all components

Add together the verified weights of all cargo items, all packaging materials, all dunnage and lashing equipment — then add the tare weight of the container (found on the door plate). The sum is the VGM. This is what this calculator does.

Formula

VGM = Cargo + Packaging + Dunnage + Container Tare

When to use

Best for: Most shippers and freight forwarders — no certified scale required at stuffing location

Both methods require a certified weighing process. Individual package weights from manufacturer data sheets are generally acceptable for Method 2 if items are commercially packaged.

Common Mistakes

What gets shippers fined or cargo refused

VGM errors are one of the top causes of container booking disputes and port holds. Here are the mistakes to avoid.

Forgetting the container tare weight

The single most common error. The tare weight is printed on the container door plate and must be included in VGM. It typically ranges from 2,200 kg (20ft) to 4,800 kg (45HC). Omitting it means your declared VGM is 2–5 tonnes too low.

Missing dunnage and lashing materials

Timber bearers, airbags, steel strapping, ratchet straps, and corner protectors all add weight. For a typical 40ft container, dunnage and lashing can add 100–300 kg. Small but it must be included for accuracy.

Late or missing VGM submission

VGM must be submitted to the carrier before the documentation cutoff — often 24–48 hours before vessel departure. Missing the cutoff means the container cannot be loaded. No exceptions under SOLAS.

Using uncertified weighing equipment

Under SOLAS, all weighing must be done on calibrated, certified equipment. Using an uncertified forklift scale or guessing item weights from memory is non-compliant. Manufacturer weight specifications on commercially packaged goods are generally acceptable.

Wrong shipper of record

The VGM declaration must be signed by the shipper of record on the Bill of Lading. If a third-party logistics provider submits the VGM, they must be authorized in writing by the shipper. Discrepancies between the B/L and VGM submission cause customs holds.

Exceeding Maximum Gross Mass

VGM cannot exceed the container's Maximum Gross Mass (MGM) — stamped on the door plate, typically 30,480 kg for standard ISO containers. Overweight containers are refused by carriers and can breach port axle load limits during transport.

VGM / SOLAS — Frequently Asked Questions

Your next container, perfectly loaded.

Start free. No credit card. No install.

Start Planning Free