News / VGM container weight mis-declaration 'rampant at most ports', say forwarders

01/11/2023

Container carriers are dealing with widespread weight mis-declarations by shippers, refuelling long-standing ship safety hazard issues.

The modified Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) verified gross mass (VGM) rule was enforced in 2016 to address the problem of overweight containers, which typically causes vessel stability concerns ...

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Mike Kirkman
November 03, 2023 at 8:51 am
The easiest way to resolve the non-compliance weighing issue is earlier in the supply chain process at the packing point with portable, Bison container scales.

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Matthew Gore
November 06, 2023 at 2:42 pm
Disappointing to hear this on such an important safety issue for the industry. We advised widely on the implementation of this back in 2015-6 but sadly it comes down to the relevant authorities having the funding and resources to effectively ‘police’ compliance and/or for carriers and terminal operators to take a tougher stance. In the current market environment this may not be a popular option.

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