APMT reports ‘smooth transition’ as VGM rule takes effect

The terminal operator said all of its gate operations are running normally, with vessel schedule integrity remaining unaffected by the new verified gross mass rule, which took effect last Friday.    APM Terminals (APMT) said Monday that export cargo loading has proceeded like normal since the International Maritime Organization’s new verified gross mass (VGM) rule took effect last week.
   The new rule requires shippers and consolidators to submit the verified weight of their laden containers to carriers prior to loading on a vessel.
   APMT provides a range of services to over 70 locations worldwide, including VGM data management services in which it verifies that proper VGM information is received before cargo is hoisted onto the vessel, which may imply upgrading EDI messaging to include VGM data; VGM verification service, which involves physical verification of container weight where VGM has been declared; and VGM generation service, which involves the physical weighing and generation of VGM data for shipments where VGM has not been declared.
   “While the majority of VGM data is being transmitted through EDI, there are still some areas where manual processing is required during this early implementation phase,” the company said. “VGM generation services at 46 locations across the APM Terminals portfolio have been phased in since mid-June, with thousands of containers already weighed for export loading.”
   “We encourage shippers to consider our VGM generation services, as they offer an additional option to shippers and minimal disruption to trade flow,” said John Trenchard, APMT head of inland and end User services.