VGM Deadline Calculator
Know your SOLAS Verified Gross Mass submission deadline. See the penalty risk before it’s too late.
What is VGM?
SOLAS Verified Gross Mass
Since July 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) requires that every packed container must have its verified gross mass (VGM) declared before loading onto a vessel. This is mandated under the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea) to prevent overweight containers from causing vessel instability and port accidents.
Two Approved Weighing Methods
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Containers without a valid VGM will not be loaded onto a vessel. This means your cargo gets rolled to the next available sailing, potentially adding 1-2 weeks to transit time. Additionally, most terminals charge a $100+ per container penalty for late VGM submissions, and re-booking fees can apply.
Cutoff Times Vary by Port
While the general rule is to submit VGM 24 hours before vessel ETD, some ports and terminals have stricter rules. Chinese ports typically require 48 hours, and specific terminal operators may have their own cutoff schedules. Always check with your local terminal for the exact cutoff.
Managing VGM for Multiple Shipments?
CargoMode tracks VGM deadlines for all your bookings automatically — with carrier integration, document extraction, and one-click CargoWise sync.
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