From 1st July 2016, strict rules will apply to the declaration of exact, verified shipping container weights, which can be declared in two ways:
Method 1 – The loaded container can be weighed at an approved weighing station or using calibrated and certified weighing equipment.
Method 2 – The weight of separate items in the container can be added to the net weight of the container. Weighing all packages and cargo items, including the mass of pallets, dunnage and other securing material to be packed in the container and adding the tare mass of the container to the sum of the single masses.
The Shipper is to be responsible for verifying the weight of the container on the bill of lading and pre-shipping documents. Repeat offenders will be pursued for misdeclarations and penalties are expected to be around $5,500 per infringement.
We will work with our clients to ensure smooth sailing as the new regulations come into effect.
