In practice: the VGM requirement comes from the IMO SOLAS Convention and has applied since July 2016; a container without a VGM is not loaded. The shipper obtains it either by weighing the packed container or by weighing all contents and adding the container's tare weight. Carriers set a VGM deadline, usually linked to the cut-off, and a wrong figure can lead to rolling or re-weighing charges.

Example: a supplier in Qingdao submits a VGM of 26,450 kg for a 40HC before the carrier's deadline. The weight also matches the packing list, so the box loads on the booked vessel without queries.