What is detention?

Detention is interchangeable with Container Hire but also applies when unit is with Customer due to our Combined Tariff for freetime, not restricted to Terminal/Depot.

What is demurrage?

Demurrage as Terminal/Depot Storage is not something many Countries offer, Australia/New Zealand do not although we are asked often. 

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).

Questions about detention, demurrage, or storage charges? 

For further information please contact your local MSC team.

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 are now allowed to use their certified scales to record Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of shipments.

Government approval status

• National body in Australia is AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority).
• 50 penalty units (180AUD per unit) assigned to first offence.
• All verified weighing equipment within Australia must be certified by the National Measurement Institute (NMI).
• All container terminals have announced across the board that no container will be gated in without certified VGM.

What to include in your VGM instructions?

The following items are mandatory and must be on all VGM instructions:

• Booking number
• Container number
• Weight Calculation Method
• Verified Gross Mass
• Verification Date
• Name of Declarant
• Company
• Either Phone or Email Address

How can I submit my VGM instructions?

• VGM instructions are to be included as part of the Pre Receival Advice (PRA) submission to terminals, using the FACT website for Adelaide, and using 1-Stop for all other terminals.

Deadline for submitting your VGM instructions

VGM must be declared when submitting the PRA, prior to containers being delivered to the terminal.

Admin fees and costs 

• Any weighbridge, transport or other cost incurred to determine the VGM is for shipper’s account.
• If shipper presents container at a terminal without having declared the VGM, the container will not be accepted, and any associated costs will be to shipper’s account.
• If a VGM is misdeclared, and shipper requests an amendment after the container has already been accepted into the terminal, VGM Amendment fee will apply.  All associated costs will be to shipper’s account.
• Terminals may check the weight of containers using their certified equipment.  In case a variance against the declared VGM of more than 1000kgs is discovered, VGM Misdeclaration fee will apply.  All associated costs will be the shipper’s account.
• Terminals may weigh import containers after discharge.  In case a variance against the declared VGM of more than 1000kgs is discovered, VGM Misdeclaration fee will apply.  All associated costs will be the consignee’s account.

• Determine the weight calculation method that is most suitable for your cargo.
• Ensure that appropriately trained and authorized personnel are responsible for the calculation and submission of the VGM.
• Ensure that appropriate record keeping is in place.
• Register for myMSC.com for access to container tare weights if necessary.
• If any further clarification is required, please contact your local MSC office.

Contact information

For more details, please contact your local MSC team.

Below are some of the main Australian ports and terminals, where local teams are available to support our customers.

Prohibited Cargo

Effective Monday, 30th March 2020, the Australian Government has introduced a Temporary Export Prohibition on Non-Commercial Exports of certain goods which contribute to controlling and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The restrictions apply, but are not limited to, the below goods.
Personal Protective Equipment in the form of:

• Disposable face masks,
• Disposable gloves,
• Disposable gowns,
• Protective eye wear in the form of goggles, glasses or visors, which can be worn by individuals to limit the transmission of organisms;

and

• Alcohol wipes,
• Hand sanitiser.

View the full list of import and exports prohibited and restricted goods.

Customs Fines
Australian Customs do not apply charges for manifest correctors at present. However, they are currently moving onto the next phase in implementation of Customs Fines for any late changes to the manifest.

If cargo has arrived, late amendments to manifest may cause 3-day border hold and additional storage costs.

Misleading or falsified information to Customs will attract a fine of AUD1365.00 per container line. 

Further details available in the Australia Customs Notice.