CargoSmart’s VGM platform goes live

The shipment management software provider officially launched its verified gross mass submission tool, which allows shippers and freight forwarders to use a centralized point to provide the verified container weight data to their carriers.    The shipment management software provider CargoSmart said Tuesday its platform to help shippers and logistics companies comply with forthcoming rules on container weighing has gone live.
   From July 1, shippers and forwarders who are named as the master shipper on a bill of lading must provide carriers with the verified gross mass (VGM), a calculation of the weight of their container. The VGM rule is an amendment to the International Maritime Organization’s existing Safety of Life at Sea convention.
   CargoSmart said its VGM platform allows shippers and freight forwarders to use a centralized point to provide the verified container weight data to their carriers. The VGM rule requires that shippers submit the container weight data prior to loading on the vessel.
   Shippers that use CargoSmart to make ocean freight bookings or submit shipping instructions can use the VGM platform for no charge. The VGM platform is available as a standalone service for a charge.
   Other providers, including INTTRA and Trade Tech, have offered similar platforms, while a host of carriers and forwarders are linking with software providers to ease submission of the VGM data.