Name the three weight bases
Net feed weight is the ingredient as supplied, excluding packaging, pallets and the container. For cargo gross weight, ask the supplier which bags, pallets and outer packaging are included; record this entry excluding the container. VGM is the verified gross mass of the complete packed container, including its tare and all contents.
- Keep the supplier's original units and use one unit in the reconciliation sheet. One metric tonne equals 1,000 kg.
- Confirm the quantity basis used for pricing and settlement. A container's VGM does not establish the net quantity of feed being invoiced.
Reconcile the contents of each container once
For procurement reconciliation, add the net feed, every other packed item and the assigned container's tare. Itemise bags, liners, pallets, dunnage and securing materials. If starting from cargo gross weight, add only items not already included, then the container tare.
- Ask the packer to identify any additional items not covered by the recorded tare or contents. Keep each component linked to its weight record or stated estimate.
- Mark the working total as an estimate until verified through the applicable VGM method. A balanced spreadsheet alone is not a VGM declaration.
Use the assigned container's markings and transport confirmation
Request the container number and legible photos of its marked tare and CSC Safety Approval Plate. Record the maximum gross mass from that plate. The packed container must not exceed that maximum; a generic container-size description cannot establish the feed quantity it can carry.
- Ask the shipping company and inland carrier to confirm the proposed total for the actual booking and transport legs. The plate maximum alone does not confirm acceptance for the full route.
- If the container has not been assigned, keep the proposed quantity provisional. Reconcile again when its identity is known, or when the container or packed contents change.
Agree the VGM method, responsible shipper and submission time
For the international sea leg, ask the shipping company to confirm that the container and voyage fall within the SOLAS VGM scope. IMO's guidelines cover CSC containers loaded onto ships subject to SOLAS chapter VI, subject to the exclusions stated in those guidelines. Identify the shipper responsible for obtaining and documenting VGM.
- Agree either weighing the packed container, or weighing all packages, cargo and packing or securing materials and adding the container tare. The second method requires certification and approval by the competent authority of the State where packing was completed.
- For cargo such as unbagged grain that cannot readily be weighed item by item, IMO's guidelines direct the use of the packed-container weighing method. Have the weighing provider confirm the applicable equipment requirements.
- Ask the shipping company for its submission deadline, recipient and format. SOLAS does not prescribe one universal number of hours; the master or representative and terminal representative need VGM in time for the ship stowage plan.
Send us the missing-data row with the quotation
Send our MUSE team the ingredient, quotation, packing draft, proposed net quantity, origin and receiving port through the contact options below. We can organise supplier clarifications while your shipping company and packer confirm the transport and VGM arrangements.
- Use one row per container: booking and container reference | feed net weight | cargo gross weight and inclusions | other packed items | container tare | CSC maximum gross mass | working total | weight evidence | unresolved items and owner.
- Add the responsible shipper, weighing provider, agreed method, VGM document reference, submission deadline and confirmation of submission. Keep estimates distinct from the final verified record.
Buyer questions
Can I use the packing list's gross weight as VGM?
Only after confirming what that field includes and that the complete packed-container mass was verified and documented through the applicable method. A goods-only gross weight excludes the container and cannot by itself be its VGM.
Does a VGM below the container's maximum guarantee loading?
No. VGM is a loading condition for shipments within the applicable SOLAS scope, not an entitlement to loading. Obtain the shipping company's booking and transport confirmations separately.
What if the supplier changes the container or package count?
Request the revised breakdown and reconcile the affected container again. Have the responsible shipper confirm the resulting VGM record and any updated submission required by the shipping company's process.