LinkedIn
WeChat
Following our continued efforts to enhance safety of our operations and to provide greater accuracy and help you avoid unnecessary costs, we are updating our Weight Discrepancy Fee (WDF) process effective 7 May 2026.
What is changing?
We are shifting the WDF application timeline from the initial Shipping Instruction (SI) stage to the Cut Off Date (SI/VGM Deadline whichever is later). To support this, we are introducing a Pre-Notification Service to alert you of any mismatches early.
How the Pre-Notification Service Works:
- New Pre-Notifications: You will now receive an alert if a weight discrepancy is detected between your Initial SI and your Cut Off Date.
- Correction Window: This gives you the opportunity to verify and correct weight data before the Cut Off Date.
- Finalized Billing: Charges will only be applied at the Cut Off Date if the discrepancy remains uncorrected.
- Important Condition: Pre-notifications are only triggered for SIs submitted before the Cut Off Date. If an SI is submitted on or after the Cut Off Date and a weight discrepancy is found, the WDF charge will be applied immediately without Pre-notification.
The WDF is applicable to each container where:
- The difference (positive or negative) between the VGM weight (shipper/terminal) and SI Weight is greater than 3,000 KGS for DRY, REEFER, OPEN TOP & FLAT RACK etc. containers and 5,000 KGS for TANK only.
- Discrepancies will be measured post Cut Off Date.
- SI Weight is equivalent to cargo weight + container tare weight (auto generated when container is linked).
- Declare cargo weight and container tare weight separately during SI/Amendment submission.
- The VGM weight (shipper/terminal) is greater than the maximum gross weight of the container, (as per CSC plate (Max Payload + Tare weight).
- The VGM weight (shipper/terminal) is lesser than container tare weight.
What do you need to do?
To maintain operational safety and avoid WDF charges:
- Submit Early: Provide your Shipping Instructions well ahead of the deadline to benefit from the pre-notification service.
- Monitors Alerts: Review any pre-notifications regarding weight discrepancies.
- Corrects Data: Submit updated instructions or corrections prior to the Cut Off Date.
Important clarification:
The notification is a Service intended to support early correction & intimation. If no notification is received, the WDF will still apply where qualifying weight discrepancies exist at or after the Cut Off Date.
No other action is required. This procedural update is designed to reduce last-minute adjustments and improve billing predictability.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact your local Maersk representative or reach out via Maersk.com. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.