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As part of our commitment to clear and compliant operations, we are updating how Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is handled for export shipments moving from select U.S. load ports. This update applies to the terminals listed below.
| Charleston Wando Terminal | New Orleans Ceres Terminal |
|---|---|
|
Charleston Wando Terminal
Houston Barbours Cut
|
New Orleans Ceres Terminal
Norfolk International Terminal
|
|
Charleston Wando Terminal
Houston Bayport
|
New Orleans Ceres Terminal
North Charleston Terminal
|
|
Charleston Wando Terminal
Jacksonville Blount Island Terminal
|
New Orleans Ceres Terminal
Oakland International Container Terminal
|
|
Charleston Wando Terminal
Long Beach Container Terminal
|
New Orleans Ceres Terminal
Philadelphia Packer Avenue Terminal
|
|
Charleston Wando Terminal
Los Angeles APM Terminal Pier 400
|
New Orleans Ceres Terminal
Savannah Garden City Terminal
|
|
Charleston Wando Terminal
Mobile Container Terminal
|
New Orleans Ceres Terminal
Savannah Ocean Terminal
|
|
Charleston Wando Terminal
Newark APM Terminal Berth 88
|
New Orleans Ceres Terminal
Seattle SSA Terminal 18
|
|
Charleston Wando Terminal
Wilmington Container Terminal
|
New Orleans Ceres Terminal
|
Since the SOLAS VGM amendment took effect in 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed that equipment used to meet federal or state weight requirements—such as under the Intermodal Safe Container Transportation Act and 29 CFR 1918.85(b)—may be used to determine VGM. This allows the use of U.S. load port scales and railbilling cargo weights to establish VGM on behalf of the shipper.
Because VGM calculation methods vary across U.S. terminals, we have seen inconsistencies in VGM data. To support accuracy, safety, and compliance, we are updating our process to prioritize customer declared VGM at the terminals listed above. This helps ensure accurate stowage planning and reduces the risk of destination related issues.
Customer Declared VGM Will Be Prioritized
- If you submit VGM before your container arrives at the load port, we will keep your declared VGM. It will not be replaced by the terminal generated weight. VGM can be submitted through EDI/Direct EDI, third party platforms such as INTTRA, or directly on Maersk.com.
Timeline to Provide or Amend VGM
- For EDI/Direct EDI and third party platforms, both initial submissions and amendments made before the Verify Copy is issued will be accepted.
- Amendments made on Maersk.com will be locked if the VGM was received from the terminal. Changes may be requested by emailing us.customerexperience@maersk.com or ca.customerexperience@maersk.com
Terminal Provided Weight
- If you prefer not to submit your own VGM, Maersk will continue to use the terminal’s scaled weight when no customer declared VGM is provided.
- Under SOLAS VGM rules, when terminal provided weight is used, the terminal is considered a third party. The shipper remains responsible for verifying the accuracy of the VGM and must submit any corrections to Maersk.
Rail Billing Weight
As communicated in September 2025, referenced here, if the U.S load port does not scale rail cargo, Maersk will use the weight declared by the shipper or agent in the rail billing request and add the container tare weight to produce the VGM. Shippers remain responsible for verifying its accuracy and submitting corrections if needed.
We appreciate your partnership and remain committed to supporting your operations with clarity and consistency. If you have questions, please contact your local Maersk representative.