Effective	24JAN2022
Filed	24JAN2022
Filing Codes	IC

1. Upon tender of cargo to Carrier Shipper shall provide to Carrier a
   Shipper Actual Gross Mass Weight Verification ("VGM") which meets the
   requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) per its
   Guidelines relating to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) for
   the export of containerized cargo. 
  
2. If a Shipper does not provide a satisfactory VGM to Carrier prior to
   tendering the cargo to Carrier, Carrier has the right to refuse to
   accept such cargo until one is provided to Carrier or if Carrier does
   accept container(s) from Shipper it may lawfully opt to not deliver the
   container(s) to the ocean terminals for loading on a vessel until it
   does receive a satisfactory VGM.  
  
3. At Carrier's sole option, Carrier can arrange to obtain a VGM on
   Shipper's behalf provided that Carrier agrees to do so in writing and
   by Shipper providing an executed written authorization for Carrier to
   do so in a format acceptable to Carrier whereby Carrier agrees to act
   as an agent on Shipper's behalf solely for that purpose. Accepting that
function shall not otherwise alter Carrier's relationship as an
   independent contractor as Carrier. In the event that Carrier agrees to
   provide this service Carrier shall charge Shipper a VGM fee as stated
   in each individual NRA. 
  
4. VGMs provided by the Shipper to Carrier shall have been obtained from
   either Method 1 as described by SOLAS, which requires that the full
   container load was weighed after it was packed, and/or Method 2 which
   requires weighing all the cargo and contents of the container and
   adding the tare weight of the container as indicated on the door of the
   container. 
  
5. Whether Method 1 or Method 2 is utilized by the Shipper, for the
   shipper's weight verification to be compliant with the SOLAS
   requirement, it must be "signed", meaning a specific person
   representing the shipper is named and identified as having verified the
   accuracy of the weight calculation on behalf of the shipper.
   Identification of the person signing requires that their full name,
   address, and phone number/e-mail address be provided. 
  
6. Method 2 shall not be allowed by Carrier for scrap metal, un-bagged
   grain and other cargo in bulk "that "do not easily lend themselves to
   individual weighing of the items to be packed in the container"
   
7. Carrier will not accept estimates of weight, and the weighing equipment
   used must meet national certification and calibration requirements.
   Further, the party packing the container cannot use the weight somebody
   else has provided, except that individual, original sealed packages
   that have the accurate mass of the packages and cargo items (including
   any other material such as packing material and refrigerants inside the
   packages) are clearly and permanently marked on their surfaces. 
  
8. If containers are delivered to the piers/terminals by the Carrier
   without a satisfactory VGM and the load port has appropriate weighing
   facilities, all charges, fees, and or penalties with respect to
   weighing subject container shall be for the account of the Shipper. 
  
9. Carrier shall not be responsible for charges, fees, penalties or other
   claims for containers for which a verified weight was provided prior to
   loading in a preceding load port and which may be loaded in
   transshipment ports which may require another VGM whether or not the
   SOLAS Guidelines do not require such re-weighing. 
  
10. Shippers who tender less-than-container load ("LCL"), whether
   beneficiary cargo owners, or nonvessel operating common carriers shall
   similarly provide VGMs for cargo tendered to Carrier loading
   facilities, and are subject to all weight regulations herein.
   
11. Shipper shall be responsible for all charges and fees from ocean
   carriers and/or terminals resulting from any VGMs provided by Shipper
   and/or third parties, or for any other reason whatsoever, including
   demurrage, detention, per diem, related to ocean carriers' and
   terminals' implementation of SOLAS. 

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