VGM Receiving Policy

In line with SOLAS (Safety of Lives at Sea) regulations, all marine terminals in the USA are now allowed to use their certified scales to record Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of shipments. Download our USA VGM policy and terminal guidelines for more information.

What do I need to include in my VGM instructions?

You must include the following on all VGM instructions:

• Booking or Bill of Lading (BL) number
• Container number
• VGM + weight measurement unit (lbs. or kgs.)
• Responsible Party Name
• Digital signature of the authorised signatory in all CAPITAL LETTERS.
  
  

How can I submit my VGM instructions?

• myMSC (Free of Charge)
• EDI (via INTTRA; GT NEXUS; Cargo Smart)
• MSC in-house system - Magic-Hand

MSC administration on late VGM submission and misdeclaration

We impose Weight mis-declaration Penalty in the following cases:

• Actual cargo weight exceeds container payload
• VGM exceeds container payload plus tare weight
• VGM is less than cargo weight plus container tare weight
• Discrepancy between VGM and actual weight exceeds 5% or 1000KGS
• Meantime, to ensure the timely declaration to relevant authorities and vessel operators, VGM Late Submission Fee is imposed in case VGM declaration after cut-off time.
• Manual VGM Submission is not acceptable

Ports and terminals MSC operates services to and from the following terminals, with local teams in each location to support our customers.

• Hongkong International Terminal (HIT)
• Modern Terminal Limited (MTL)