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SOLAS VGM Solutions
On July 1, 2016, a new regulation from the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) went into effect. It requires the shipper named on the ocean bill of lading to provide the container carrier and the terminal operator with the verified gross mass (VGM) of a packed container.
 
 
 
Flexible, Integrated Solutions
CargoSmart’s VGM solutions let shippers submit the VGM information to ocean carriers flexibly and on time to comply with the new requirements. The flexible solutions allow shippers and designated third parties to:
 
  • Minimize changes to existing shipping execution processes
  • Submit the VGM in shipping instructions or a separate form (VERMAS) through online, EDI, or mobile platforms
  • Improve collaboration with related parties
  • Have clear visibility to submission status
  • Minimize the risk of late submissions
  • Control costs for complying with the new requirements
 
 
VGM Solutions Free of Charge
Shippers who submit their booking requests or shipping instructions through CargoSmart, qualify to submit the corresponding VGMs to their carriers through CargoSmart at no charge. CargoSmart also offers its VGM solutions to shippers who do not submit booking requests or shipping instructions through CargoSmart.
 
 
 
Resources
 
Webinar Series
CargoSmart hosted a series of free, live webinars to help shippers prepare for the July 1 SOLAS VGM implementation date. The webinar topics included: how to submit timely VGMs; how to collaborate with multiple parties to collect the VGM; and regional requirements. Watch the archived webinars and download the presentation slides to learn tips for SOLAS compliance.
 
 
 
FAQ
CargoSmart has compiled frequently asked questions about the SOLAS regulation based on information from the industry, official announcements, and CargoSmart’s VGM solution to help relevant parties prepare for compliance. You can read the answers to these frequently asked questions.
 
 
 
Online and EDI Solutions
CargoSmart offers online and EDI solutions for you to submit the VGM to your carriers. In order to ensure a smooth integration and timely submission of VGM, register today to get started with CargoSmart and let us know your choice of submission channels and carriers. For EDI solutions, you can read the implementation procedures and download the startup kit and EDI implementation FAQs to comply with the new SOLAS requirements.
 
 
 
LinkedIn Group
To stay tuned for updates about the new requirements, we invite you to join the ‘SOLAS – New VGM Requirement’ discussion group on LinkedIn. You can discuss and share your questions, thoughts, and concerns about the new SOLAS requirement with other industry professionals in the group.
 
 
 
 
Getting Started
 
Getting Started Checklist
1. Start preparing now – there is paperwork involved from Letters of Authorization, to documenting your process, and to considering countries’ registration requirements.
2. Determine who will provide the VGM and submit it so that they know their new responsibilities.
3. Choose a platform and the method to submit the VGM. We recommend submitting it electronically, and to consider availability of dashboards and reports to monitor compliance.
4. Set up your network and systems so that you are ready to begin test filings when carriers begin accepting submissions.
 
 
To learn more about how CargoSmart’s solutions can help you comply with the SOLAS container weight requirements, schedule a free consultation today.