Container Loading to ShipThe Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, set to take effect on July 1st, require the shipper to provide the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of the combined weight of the cargo, dunnage and container prior to cargo being loaded upon a vessel.

 

There has been considerable pressure on the rule making body, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), ocean carriers and terminal operators to find a better approach to the weight submission guidelines outlined in the rule.  As a refresher, SOLAS identified two options to calculate the VGM:  1) Weigh the cargo, packaging, pallets, dunnage and add in the tare weight of the container, or 2) weigh the loaded container and subtract the weight of the truck, chassis and fuel.  

 

US exporters have been pushing for alternatives to these two calculation methods. They contend providing the VGM in the manner dictated by the IMO is redundant to weight submission guidelines already present in the US.  Currently, exporters are required to provide the gross and net cargo weights, and terminals in the US are mandated by OSHA to weigh loaded containers.  As such, there are other options to obtain the VGM than those outlined by the IMO.  And, the US Coast Guard, the agency responsible for enforcement, agrees.

Hypnosis can reduce sexual performance anxiety to promote a more relaxed and confident sense of downtownsault.org viagra 25 mg self, optimize self-esteem, happiness and boost self confidence. What follows suit is the abrupt downsizing of the system’s performance, alarmingly detached visual outlook of the downtownsault.org pfizer viagra pharmacy device and dysfunctional components. In cheap levitra tablets conclusion, it would be righteous to say that many a times they get anxious about there performance during the sexual sessions. This effect can be received at less time duration of viagra sans prescription downtownsault.org thirty minutes.

 

Given this pushback, the question of enforcement as well as differing interpretations around the world, the IMO has recommended “a practical and pragmatic approach when verifying compliance…for a period of three months after 1 July 2016.” The statement goes on to say this grace period is granted with the intention of “providing flexibility…to refine, if necessary, the procedures for documenting, communicating and sharing VGM information.

 

It would seem the hard stance of “no VGM, no load” is beginning to soften in favor of less disruptive compliance options.

Latest News

RISKY BUSINESS

Cargo theft and organized retail crime are big problems for everyone. These transnational gangs use various and sophisticated tactics to steal cargo, and they adapt their strategies as fast as stakeholders implement new security measures. They impersonate legitimate...

MAY DAY, MAY DAY!

The marine terminals in Oakland are closed today to allow members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) the opportunity to recognize May Day, also known as International Worker's Day.

WHALE DONE!

The Port of Oakland was recently presented the "2025 Gold Award" from Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies for championing reduced vessel speeds which protect migrating blue whales and preserve coastal air quality. Congratulations and job whale done!

AUTONOMOUS EXISTENCE

At long last, California has established rules for autonomous trucks, thereby eliminating the ban on autonomous heavy-duty vehicles. There will be a tiered permitting process requiring autonomous trucks to log 500,000 miles with a driver and additional 500,000 miles...

HORMUZ HAVOC

The war in Iran is still wreaking havoc on fuel prices, especially diesel, especially in California. Diesel prices remain stubbornly high in the state at well over $7/gallon. The high oil prices are resulting in high fertilizer prices at a critical time for American...

Share This