Weight Discrepancy Validation and Fee – US and Canada

As safety is a top priority at Maersk, we recognize the importance of the SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirement as a condition for loading containers aboard our vessels. To further ensure safety for our vessels, employees, and crew, we are introducing a weight discrepancy validation process.

Effective July 1, 2020, we will perform the following validations on the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) weight and the weight on Shipping Instructions

• The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) weight or equivalent as acknowledged by local authorities exceeds the max payload as printed on the door of the container.
• The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) weight is less than the tare weight of the container.
• There is a weight discrepancy between the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) weight or equivalent as acknowledged by local authorities and the weight provided in the Shipping Instructions, when both have been provided by the shipper or their designated agent.

A Weight Discrepancy Fee of USD 100 per container shall be applied if a discrepancy is found and the VGM or equivalent recognized by local authorities has been provided by the shipper or their designated agent.

Rail containers not scaled by the ocean terminal in the US are also subject to the Weight Discrepancy Fee. VGM for these containers is calculated based upon the weight submitted by the shipper or their designated agent when requesting rail billing, which is in accordance with the Safe Container Act of 1992, and is considered VGM equivalent by US authorities.

The Weight Discrepancy Fee shall not be applied if the VGM was provided by the ocean terminal scaled weight upon gate-in.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your local customer service representative. You will find contact details of our local offices on Maersk website.