Container VGM Tool: Verified Gross Mass & Payload Check

SOLAS VGM • Method 1 • Method 2 • CSC Max Gross • Payload • Tare • Dunnage • Scale Uncertainty • Terminal Reweigh

Container VGM Tool: Verified Gross Mass & Payload Check

Calculate a packed container’s Verified Gross Mass, compare it with the CSC maximum operating gross mass, check payload headroom, and reconcile declared or terminal-reweighed values. Simple mode handles one container quickly. Advanced supports itemized Method 2 mass, Method 1 direct weighing, tare, pallets/packing/dunnage/securing, attached equipment, measurement uncertainty, terminal reweighs, shipment companion containers and compliance-readiness checks.

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Need shipment-level depth? Click Advanced above.Advanced adds cargo-item rows, Method 1 vs Method 2 cross-checking, loose dunnage/securing, additional attached equipment, terminal reweigh, uncertainty range, companion containers and VGM documentation readiness.

Fast7 primary controls

Core answerVGM + max-gross headroom

Correct framingNo universal tolerance assumed

Fast VGM & Payload Screen

Use the CSC Safety Approval Plate maximum gross mass and the container’s marked tare. In Method 2, cargo mass must include every cargo item; pallets, packing, dunnage and securing are entered separately below.

VGM method

CSC maximum operating gross masskg.

Container tare masskg.

Measured packed-container masskg from calibrated/certified weighing equipment.

Packing / pallets / dunnage / securingkg. Used in Method 2; set cargo input to cargo items only.

Declared / communicated VGMkg. Optional comparison.

Measurement uncertainty allowance± kg screening band; not a legal tolerance.

Container & VGM Basis

VGM method used for declaration

CSC maximum operating gross masskg. Use CSC plate value if markings conflict.

Marked container tarekg.

Method 1 packed-container weighingkg. Direct packed-container mass.

Declared / communicated VGMkg. Optional reconciliation input.

Terminal / later verified reweighkg. Optional later verified mass.

Measurement uncertainty allowance± kg screening range; not a statutory tolerance.

Additional attached equipment not in tare/VGMkg for structural max-gross/payload check only. If Method 1 weighing already included it, enter 0.

Method 2 Cargo & Package Register

Enter net cargo and package/pallet mass separately. Method 2 VGM adds all item cargo mass, package/pallet mass, loose dunnage/securing and the container tare.

Qty	Net cargo / unit kg	Package / pallet / unit kg

Loose dunnage / bracing / securing masskg not already included in cargo rows.

Other packed material masskg, e.g. refrigerants or other included packed material.

Companion Container Batch Check

Optional shipment-level screen. Each row compares a companion container’s VGM with its CSC maximum gross and declared VGM. These rows do not alter the primary-container VGM above.

Max gross kg	Tare kg	VGM kg	Declared VGM kg

VGM Readiness

Shipper responsibility identifiedResponsible shipper under the bill of lading/sea waybill is known. Weighing method is permitted / certifiedMethod 2 procedure/party approval or Method 1 equipment basis is verified as required locally. Scale / weighing equipment verifiedApplicable State accuracy/calibration requirements are met. Container tare verifiedMarked tare / applicable container record checked. All cargo and packing mass includedPallets, dunnage, packing and securing material are accounted for. CSC maximum gross checkedContainer is not packed above its Safety Approval Plate maximum. Authorized signature / name arrangedVGM shipping document can be signed by a person authorized by the shipper. VGM submission timing confirmedCarrier/master and terminal can receive VGM in time for stowage planning.

Compliance limitation: this tool does not certify a SOLAS VGM, approve a Method 2 procedure, replace calibrated/certified weighing equipment, or determine a national enforcement tolerance. Contracting Governments enforce VGM requirements under national law. The shipper remains responsible for obtaining and documenting VGM, and VGM availability is a condition for loading but does not itself create an entitlement to load.

Current methodology context: SOLAS regulation VI/2 and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1475 provide two VGM methods: Method 1 weighs the packed container; Method 2 sums all packages and cargo items, including pallets, dunnage, packing and securing materials, and adds container tare using a certified method approved by the competent authority where packing was completed. The shipper is responsible for obtaining and documenting VGM, and the signed VGM must reach the ship/master representative and terminal in time for stowage planning. A container exceeding the CSC maximum permitted gross mass may not be loaded. The CTU Code further distinguishes maximum cargo payload from gross mass by accounting for tare, additional attached items and securing/bracing materials.

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