OCEMA’s industry-leading best practice framework for the acceptance and transmission of Verified Gross Mass data — aligning U.S. intermodal operations with IMO SOLAS Chapter VI requirements.
OCEMA’s member carriers unanimously adopted a Recommended Best Practice for the Acceptance and Transmission of Verified Gross Mass (VGM) and a VGM Process Map. Developed by OCEMA’s Container Weight Committee, the Best Practice aims to provide a standardized U.S. framework and minimize changes from present procedures to reduce burdens on shippers and other stakeholders.
The OCEMA VGM Best Practice addresses the technical and operational aspects of implementing VGM requirements in the U.S. Specifically, it provides guidance for use of the Terminal Weighing Approach; how ocean carriers will receive VGM from their customers; recommends a cut-off time for information submission; and identifies how that information will be shared with marine terminal operators and vessel operators for stowage planning.
Important: Individual ocean carriers may deviate from the OCEMA Best Practice as they deem appropriate to meet operational or other business requirements. Please check with individual carriers regarding their current VGM policies.
For questions or comments about OCEMA’s VGM best practice, please contact us directly.