CargoSmart Partners with Ningbo E-port for SOLAS VGM
The Port of Ningbo has integrated CargoSmart’s software for shippers and forwarders to meet new container weight requirements with its electronic platform for exchanging data between logistics providers, as well as between logistics providers and government agencies, the port said.
CargoSmart Limited also announced that Ningbo E-port has extended its cooperation with CargoSmart to meet the new container weight requirements for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention.
Shippers and freight forwarders can now submit the verified gross mass (VGM) of their Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan export containers through Ningbo E-port's platform at no additional charge.
In addition, they will gain visibility to a dashboard with VGM submission deadlines and status for 30 ocean carriers and customs clearance to help ensure timely exports.
The Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan is the fourth largest port in the world in terms of container throughput. Over 30,000 shippers and forwarders manage their multiple carrier shipments through Ningbo E-port's online portal. As of July 1, 2016, shippers named on the bill of lading are required to submit the VGM of their cargo before ocean carriers' cut-off times, otherwise their cargo may be held at the port, incur costly demurrage charges, and experience departure delays.
"Enhancing our platform through integration with CargoSmart's system lets our customers meet the new SOLAS requirements," said Xu Wei, deputy general manager of Ningbo E-port. "CargoSmart's solutions enable our customers to comply with minimal changes to their current shipping documentation submission process and gain additional shipment visibility online to keep their cargo moving."
Shippers currently make booking requests, submit shipping instructions, and track cargo through Ningbo E-port's portal, which is supported by CargoSmart's EDI service. They can now submit VGMs to multiple carriers through the centralized portal to minimize changes to their existing documentation process and the effort to manage VGMs.
After Ningbo E-port captures the VGM information from shippers, forwarders, and Ningbo Terminal's weighing service, CargoSmart transmits the data to carriers.
