What is detention?
Detention is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s full container inside the marine terminal, railroad facilities or container yard. This charge can also apply while the container is undergoing US customs inspections, or while the cargo inside the container is being reworked for safety reasons.   

What is demurrage?
Demurrage is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, inside the terminal for the use of the land. 
 
What is Per Diem?
Per Diem is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s container (full or empty) outside the marine terminal, rail ramp or container yard.  

What are storage charges?
A storage charge is applicable, after the free time expires, for containers left inside the rail ramp or container yard (for the use of the land).

What is VGM?

Verified Gross Mass or VGM refers to the exact, verified weight of a packed container. For safety reasons, vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been verified.

In line with SOLAS (Safety of Lives at Sea) regulations, all marine terminals in the USA are now allowed to use their certified scales to record Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of shipments. Download our USA VGM policy and terminal guidelines for more information.

What do I need to include in my VGM instructions?

You must include the following on all VGM instructions:

• Booking or Bill of Lading (BL) number
• Container number
• VGM + weight measurement unit (lbs. or kgs.)
• Responsible Party Name
• Digital signature of the authorised signatory in all CAPITAL LETTERS.

How can I submit my VGM instructions?

• myMSC (Free of Charge) 
• EDI (via INTTRA; GT NEXUS; Cargo Smart)
• Manually (via INTTRA; GT NEXUS; Cargo Smart