LAST UPDATED: 16/MAY/17
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What is Verified Gross Mass (VGM)?
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) refers to the verified overall weight of a container.
Why do I need to submit a VGM?
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- International Maritime Organization - http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Cargoes/Containers/Pages/Verification-of-the-gross-mass.aspx
- Martime NZ - http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/commercial/ships/cargo-carriage/container-weight-faqs.asp
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What does this mean for export containers?
This means that export containers that are loaded onto a vessel MUST have a VGM weight in the ports' system. From the 1st of July, 2016, NZ ports will not load any container on to a vessel unless they have the VGM for that container.
How can the VGM info be provided to the port?
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To obtain access to PortConnect, contact info@portconnect.co.nz.
Who is responsible for providing the VGM to the port?
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By submitting Pre-Advice the user agrees to PortConnect’s Terms and Conditions and confirms the validity of the information submitted. You can view a copy of PortConnect’s Terms and Conditions here, https://www.portconnect.co.nz/Home/TermsAndConditions
What VGM info needs to be provided to the port?
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- Verified Gross Mass for the container
- Weight calculation method
- Date of verification
- Name of Declarant
- Company name of the Declarant
- Phone or email of the Declarant
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When do I need to start submitting a VGM in the Pre-Advice?
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You can submit a Pre-Advice any time up until the port receival cut off or until the truck/train arrives at the port if this is before the receival cut off.
Do I need to enter a VGM weight for an empty container?
Yes. Legally empty containers do not require a VGM to be loaded onto a vessel but our partner ports have asked for all containers to have a VGM weight. For empty containers you can enter the tare weight which is written on the container.
Do I need to enter a VGM weight for a coastal container?
Yes. Legally coastal containers do not require a VGM to be loaded onto a vessel but our partner ports have asked for all containers to have a VGM weight.
Do I need to enter a VGM weight for a container coming in by Rail?
Yes. Containers arriving by Rail will also require a confirmed VGM weight.
Can I pre-advise a container without a VGM?
No. The VGM field will be mandatory in PortConnect and you will not be able to submit Pre-Advice without including this information and confirming its validity.
Can I save a draft Pre-Advice until I have the VGM weight?
Yes. You can enter container details and save the Pre-Advice without having entered the weight information.
However, only containers with the VGM Weight, the Cargo Gross Weight and VGM Tick will be submitted to the port. If you submit your Pre-Advice and some of the weight information is missing then the container details will not be submitted to the port and the screen will display an error message telling you what information is missing.
Can I change the VGM after I’ve submitted Pre-Advice via PortConnect?
Yes, you can change the VGM, and any other details, as long as it is done PRIOR to Gate-in.
Can a container be weighed at the port?
No. Ports of Auckland and Port of Tauranga have both confirmed that they will not be weighing containers at their Seaports. Their Inland Port facilities may provide this service - please contact the port customer service teams if you have any questions about this.
What changes need to be made to B2B Pre-Advice?
There are no changes to the B2B Pre-Advice format. However, by submitting B2B Pre-Advice the user agrees to PortConnect’s Terms and Conditions and confirms the validity of the information submitted. You can view a copy of PortConnect’s Terms and Conditions here, https://www.portconnect.co.nz/Home/TermsAndConditions
Where can I find more information about Pre-Advice?
You can find more information by reading the Pre-Advice User-Guide or by contacting info@portconnect.co.nz.
Where can I check if my container has a confirmed VGM weight?
You can look up containers in Track & Trace and drill down on them to see the declared weight and whether it is a VGM or not.
You can also extract the information to Excel or CSV file and check the same details.
Will PortConnect and/or the port send the VGM weight to the Shipping Line?
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All shipping lines can also check VGM weights by using PortConnect's Track & Trace.
How can I get my equipment certified for Method two?
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Contact Trading Standards for more information on 0508 627 774.
Do I need to provide a VGM weight for containers that are transshipping at Ports of Auckland or Port of Tauranga?
No. Collecting the VGM weight is the responsibility of the first port of load. Tranship ports will receive the VGM weight directly from the shipping line.