In FJT (Australia) recent Newsbriefs they highlighted the risks of overweight containers and the risk they pose in road and seafreight transportation. FJT also indicated that the new container weighing regulations were due to be implemented on 1st July, only weeks away. They repeat a brief outline of the SOLAS program.
FJT informs all customers and overseas partners that the container weight verification global requirement as outlined by the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) will be enforced on July 1, 2016. All shippers, will be responsible for the verification of the packed container’s weight or run the risk of missing an intended sailing if Verified Gross Mass (VGM) documentation compliance is ignored.
The Shipper (listed as shipper in the bill of lading or sea waybill) is responsible for providing the VGM to the carrier in reasonable time prior to vessel loading.
The VGM consists of cargo weight including packaging and dunnage (securing) materials and tare weight of container. The Carrier is responsible for relaying the VGM to its terminal. Container means standard containers, tank containers, flat racks and bulk containers.
All packages, packaging and dunnage material are to be weighed and added to the tare weight of the container
Carriers WILL NOT LOAD containers without having the VGM and shippers should be ready to comply well before July 1, 2016.
As an importer you will need to be sure that your overseas suppliers comply with these rules, as an exporter you will need to comply.
At this late stage many exporters and shipping lines may not be ready and may not comply with these new rules. FJT stresses that out customers liaise with all their overseas suppliers and remind them of the SOLAS regulations and the requirement to provide evidence of container weights.
Please contact your local FJT office if you have any questions, visit www.fjt.com.au for more information.
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