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Reminder: Container Weight Verification Requirements

2015-11-16

As we near the end of 2015, Crowley would like to remind you of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) new global container weight verification regulations that take effect on July 1, 2016.

The International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee last year officially adopted the SOLAS requirement specifying that the weight of a packed export container must be verified by the shipper prior to vessel loading using one of two permissible methods:

         · Weighing the container after it has been packed and subtracting the weight of the container, or

This worldwide regulation will apply to all containers that are to be loaded onto cargo vessels in any U.S. or foreign port. The full definitions and regulations can be viewed here.

Cargo and containers not complying with these regulations risk being delayed or turned away at the port. To help prepare shippers and carriers and prevent unnecessary delays and congestion at the port, The Agriculture Transportation Coalition and the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement have created a Container Weight Certification Compliance Committee comprised of U.S. shippers, logistic providers, container lines, and software providers. This committee will be focused on creating best practices and suggested standard procedures, including for digital documentation, to help shippers and carriers be ready by July 1st.

We will continue to update you as we learn more from this committee and provide any information that comes available from our port, rail and trucking partners so we can work together to strive for seamless integration of these new weight regulations.