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Dear Valued Customers,
As the July 1 effective date for the SOLAS VGM requirement draws near, we are pleased to announce that APL will be embracing the Terminal Weighing Approach for the VGM submission for U.S. export containers.
Under this approach, ocean terminal operators in the U.S. could weigh containers moving through their truck gates and provide the gross container weights to APL. Shippers of such containers will not be required to submit VGM to APL. However, shippers can still choose to submit VGM to APL.
This is also the new recommended approach of the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association (OCEMA), a group comprising 19 ocean carrier-members including APL.
Please note that the exemption for shipper-submitted VGM excludes on-dock rail cargo due to the lack of appropriate scales and processes at most U.S. terminals to handle the weighing of containers arriving in this mode. This means, shippers of on-dock rail cargo are still required to submit VGM to APL. As a reminder, VGM submission cut-offs are available on our interactive map and updated on your booking confirmations.
Please note that local terminal policies vary, and some terminals may charge for weighing or handling of containers with no VGM on the account of the cargo. Some terminals may also require shipper’s or carrier’s confirmation to release containers with no VGM. If carrier confirmation is needed, APL will help to ensure there are no disruptions or holds to your cargo based on the US Coast Guard and OCEMA guidance.
You may refer to APL’s SOLAS VGM Handbook and interactive map via the dedicated webpage at APL.com/VGM for more information on VGM and submission processes with APL. If you need help, please contact APL Customer Support via phone at 1-800-999-7733 or via email at APL_US_CS@apl.com.
We will continue to keep you informed of any further updates.
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