Verified Gross Mass (VGM): Calculator and Declaration
Calculate the verified gross mass of a packed container by SOLAS Method 1 (weighing) or Method 2 (cargo + packing + tare), check it against the container's maximum, and print the VGM declaration.
Tare and maximum figures shown are typical. Use the numbers on the container's CSC plate, and send the VGM to the carrier before its cut off.
Verified gross mass
22,650kg
Payload left to the maximum
7,830kg
Method 2: VGM = cargo + packing and securing material + container tare
What is the verified gross mass (VGM)?
The verified gross mass (VGM) is the total weight of a packed shipping container: the cargo, everything used to pack and secure it, and the container's own tare. Since 1 July 2016 the SOLAS convention requires the shipper to give the carrier a signed VGM before the container is loaded on a ship. No VGM, no loading. This calculator works out the VGM by either SOLAS method and turns it into a VGM declaration you can sign and send.
Method 1 and Method 2
| Method 1 | Method 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| How | Weigh the packed and sealed container, for example on a weighbridge with the truck | Add the weight of all the cargo, packing and securing material, and the container tare |
| Formula | VGM = weighbridge reading − truck and chassis | VGM = cargo + packing, pallets, dunnage and lashing + tare |
| Equipment | Calibrated, certified scale | Calibrated scales for the packages; tare from the CSC plate |
| Used for | Any container, and bulk cargo that cannot be weighed piece by piece | Cartons and pallets weighed before stuffing |
How to calculate VGM by Method 2
- Add up the gross weight of every package (from the packing list, using calibrated scales).
- Add pallets, dunnage, bracing, lashing and any other packing material.
- Add the container tare printed on the CSC safety approval plate or the door.
- Check the total is under the maximum gross mass on the CSC plate.
Example: 18,400 kg of cargo + 350 kg of pallets and dunnage + 3,900 kg tare for a 40 ft high cube = a VGM of 22,650 kg, well under the 30,480 kg maximum. Check how the cartons fit with the container dimensions tool.
The VGM declaration
The VGM must be signed by a person authorised by the shipper named on the bill of lading, and reach the carrier or terminal before the VGM cut off in the booking. The declaration gives the container number, booking number, VGM in kg, the method used, the date and the signature. Carriers also accept it through their portals or EDI; the PDF here is your signed record.
Road and rail limits
A container can be under its CSC maximum and still be too heavy for the road: in the US a typical truck, chassis and container must stay under 80,000 lb gross unless permitted. Check the road limit before you load heavy cargo into a 20 ft box.
Copy the result, or save it as a PDF or Excel file. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Features
- SOLAS Method 1 and Method 2
- Typical tare by container type
- Check against the CSC maximum
- kg or lb
- VGM declaration as PDF or Excel
- Container, booking and seal no.
Frequently asked questions
What is the verified gross mass (VGM)?
The total weight of a packed container: cargo, packing and securing material and the container tare. SOLAS requires the shipper to declare it before the container is loaded on a ship.
How do you calculate VGM?
Method 1: weigh the packed container and take off the truck and chassis. Method 2: add the weight of the cargo, the packing and securing material and the container tare from the CSC plate.
Who is responsible for the VGM?
The shipper named on the bill of lading. A person it authorises signs the declaration and sends it to the carrier before the cut off.
Where do I find the container tare weight?
On the CSC safety approval plate and painted on the container door. Typical tares are about 2,200 kg for a 20 ft and 3,750 to 3,900 kg for a 40 ft, but use the actual figure.
What happens if the VGM is missing?
The container is not loaded on the ship until a VGM is received, which can mean missing the vessel and paying storage.
Is VGM in kg or lb?
SOLAS asks for kilograms. If you weigh in pounds, the calculator converts the result to kg for the declaration.
Is the calculator free?
Yes. No sign up. It runs in your browser, and you can copy the result or save it as a PDF.