Every exporter shipping containers by sea needs a verified gross mass, or VGM, before the box can be loaded. Miss it, and the container stays on the quay while the vessel sails. This guide explains what VGM is, where the rule comes from, how containers are weighed and how to plan weighing at İskenderun so your cargo makes the vessel.
What Is VGM?
VGM stands for Verified Gross Mass. In Turkey it is also known by its Turkish name, Doğrulanmış Brüt Ağırlık (DBA). It is the total weight of a packed container: the container's own weight (tare) plus the cargo, pallets, packaging, dunnage and securing materials.
The VGM must be submitted to the shipping line and the port terminal before the container is loaded. Vessel stowage plans are built on these figures.
Why does it matter?
Misdeclared container weights can affect vessel stability, lead to incorrect stowage and cause accidents at sea and in port. The VGM rule exists to reduce these risks by requiring the actual weight to be verified before loading.
Where Does the Rule Come From?
The VGM requirement was introduced through an amendment to Chapter VI of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and has applied since 1 July 2016. The principle is simple: a packed export container without a verified gross mass must not be loaded onto the vessel. The industry shorthand is "No VGM, No Load".
In Turkey, the rule is implemented through regulations of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. Details such as who may weigh, what the weighing certificate must contain and accepted tolerances can be updated over time, so always confirm the current requirements with your shipping line or customs broker.
Who Is Responsible for VGM?
The shipper is responsible: the party named as shipper on the bill of lading. Using a weighbridge operator does not transfer that responsibility; it simply ensures the weight is measured on authorised, calibrated equipment.
How Are Containers Weighed? Method 1 and Method 2
SOLAS recognises two methods.
Method 1: Weighing the packed container
After the container is packed and sealed, it is weighed on a calibrated weighbridge, usually together with the truck. The truck and chassis tare are deducted to obtain the container's gross mass. This is the most common method, and for bulk, heavy or irregular cargo it is often the only practical option.
Method 2: Weighing all contents and adding the tare
The weights of all packages, pallets, packaging and securing materials are added together, and the container's tare is added on top. This method is generally reserved for shippers that meet specific conditions and hold the relevant authorisation. Requirements vary by country, so check with the competent authority before relying on Method 2.
Which method should you choose?
If your cargo consists of uniform packages and you meet the authorisation requirements, Method 2 may be an option. In most other cases, Method 1 is simpler and less prone to error.
The VGM Process Step by Step
- Booking and cut-off: Ask the line for the VGM submission deadline (VGM cut-off). It is often different from the cargo cut-off.
- Packing and sealing: The container is packed, secured and sealed.
- Weighing: The container is weighed on a calibrated weighbridge operated by an authorised operator.
- Weighing certificate: The result is recorded with the container number, gross mass, weighing method and operator details.
- Submission: The VGM is sent to the shipping line and the terminal.
- Loading: Containers with a valid VGM are included in the stowage plan.
Common VGM Mistakes
- Missing the cut-off: A late submission can mean your container is rolled over to the next vessel, with extra waiting time and cost.
- Using the wrong tare: The tare marked on the container door may differ from the actual tare. In Method 2, that difference becomes an error.
- Forgetting packaging and securing materials: Pallets, chocks and dunnage are part of the gross mass.
- Leaving weighing to the last minute: Weighbridge queues can grow at busy times. Plan weighing around your loading schedule.
- Confusing an estimate with a VGM: An estimated weight is not a VGM. The VGM must be based on weighing with authorised, calibrated equipment.
Practical Tips for Planning VGM
- Find out early how the line accepts VGM submissions (online portal, EDI, email).
- If you have several containers, schedule weighing in line with the vessel cut-off.
- For heavy cargo, check both the container's maximum gross weight and road weight limits.
- File each weighing certificate against its booking number for easy reference.
Weighing on Imports: Why It Helps
The VGM rule applies to export containers, but weighing is useful on imports too. Weighing a container full and then empty shows the actual net weight. That record can be compared with the bill of lading and the customs declaration, and gives you objective data if there is a dispute over missing or excess cargo.
VGM and Weighbridge Planning at İskenderun
The Gulf of İskenderun is a busy area with several port facilities. On peak days, weighing and gate procedures can build queues, so it pays to plan weighing together with haulage and storage.
NarinPort coordinates weighbridge weighing at İskenderun with a contracted weighbridge operator. The weighing itself and the weighing certificate are carried out by the authorised operator; NarinPort aligns the weighing with port-to-warehouse haulage, storage and customs steps handled by our contracted customs broker. See our Weighbridge / VGM and Port-to-Warehouse Haulage pages for details.
If your export cargo needs to wait before loading, you can consolidate and palletise it in our non-bonded warehouse, located closest to İskenderun Port: 7,000+ m² of covered space, 5,000+ pallet positions on 6-level racking, 8 hydraulic ramps and forklifts. The facility is protected by 120+ HD cameras, fire detection and suppression, and 24/7 security. General cargo is accepted; dangerous goods (IMO/ADR) are not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are VGM and DBA the same thing? Yes. VGM (Verified Gross Mass) is the English term; DBA (Doğrulanmış Brüt Ağırlık) is the Turkish equivalent.
Who has to submit the VGM? The shipper named on the bill of lading. Even if a weighbridge operator does the weighing, the shipper remains responsible for an accurate and timely submission.
Do empty containers need a VGM? The rule targets packed export containers. For empty containers and special cases, confirm current practice with your shipping line.
What happens if I miss the VGM cut-off? Your container may not be loaded on the planned vessel and may roll over to the next sailing, which can mean extra waiting time and cost.
Does NarinPort carry out the weighing itself? No. Weighing and the weighing certificate are handled by a contracted, authorised weighbridge operator; NarinPort coordinates the process with haulage and storage.
Let's Plan Your Weighing and Haulage
Share your container type, approximate weight and loading schedule, and we will plan weighing, haulage and storage with one point of contact.
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