A vessel call sign is a unique identifier assigned to a ship for radio communication purposes. It is used to distinguish the vessel from others in maritime communication systems, including VHF radios and satellite communications.
A vessel omission (sometimes called a port omission) occurs when a scheduled vessel does not call at a planned port during its voyage. This disruption means that the vessel skips the port entirely, which can impact the transportation and delivery schedules of goods.
In cargo shipping, vessel rotation is the planned sequence of port calls that a shipping vessel follows on its route to optimize cargo loading and unloading operations.
The timetable of departure and arrival times for each port call on the rotation of the vessel in question.
A journey by sea from one port or country to another one or, in case of a round trip, to the same port.
Warehouse utilization is a logistics metric that refers to the effective use of available warehouse space for storing goods and inventory.
Order for specific transportation work carried out by a third party provider on behalf of the issuing party.
Logistics yard management refers to the process of overseeing and controlling the movement of trucks, trailers, containers, and other vehicles within a yard or distribution center. This includes tasks such as scheduling, tracking, and coordinating the arrival, departure, and storage of these vehicles.
Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
What is Verified Gross Mass?
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is a term used in the shipping industry to refer to the total weight of a packed container, including its contents and packaging materials. It is a crucial requirement mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention to enhance safety in maritime transportation. The VGM ensures that the weight of containers declared by shippers is accurate and helps prevent accidents, such as container overloading, which can pose risks to vessel stability and crew safety.
What is a Verified Gross Mass certificate?
A Verified Gross Mass Certificate is an official logistics document issued by the shipper or an authorized party, providing the accurate weight of a packed container as per the SOLAS requirements. The certificate contains essential information such as the container number, seal number, VGM, date of weighing, and the signature of the authorized person responsible for verifying the gross mass. It serves as proof of compliance with SOLAS regulations and must accompany the shipment documentation to facilitate smooth cargo handling and clearance at ports. Failure to provide a valid VGM certificate may result in delays or refusal of container loading onto vessels.\
How to determine Verified Gross Mass
Verified Gross Mass (VGM) can be determined through various methods. Firstly, the container can be directly weighed on a certified scale, providing an accurate total weight including cargo, packaging, and securing materials. Alternatively, items can be individually weighed and summed with the container's tare weight. Another approach involves calculating based on container dimensions and cargo density. Each method requires precision to ensure compliance with SOLAS regulations, preventing accidents and optimizing vessel stability. Choosing the appropriate method depends on factors like equipment availability, cargo characteristics, and regulatory requirements, ensuring safe and efficient maritime transport.