What is Detention?
Detention is the charge applicable after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s full container inside the marine terminal or container yard. This charge can also apply while the container is undergoing Local customs inspections, or while the cargo inside the container is being reworked for safety reasons.   

What is Demurrage?
Demurrage is the charge applicable after the free time expires, inside or outside of the terminal. 
 
What is Per Diem?
Per Diem (meaning “per day”) is the demurrage charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s container (full or empty) inside or outside the marine terminal.

What are Storage Charges?
A storage charge is applicable after the free time expires, for containers left inside the terminal. These charges are paid by the customer directly to the terminal operator. 
 
Detention and Demurrage: Updated Payment Policy 
MSC Trinidad and Tobago accepts payment via Direct Deposit, wire transfer or physical deposits done by customers at our local commercial bank.

Questions about Detention, Demurrage, Per Diem or Storage Charges?
Contact our Accounts Team TT368-demurrage@msc.com.

What is VGM?

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

 

What do I need to include in my VGM Instructions?

You must include the following on all VGM instructions:

• Booking or Bill of Lading (BL) number
• Container number
• VGM + weight measurement unit (lbs. or kgs.)
• Name of Responsible Party (Shipper)
• Digital signature of the authorised signatory in all CAPITAL LETTERS.

 

How can I submit my VGM Instructions?

• via www.myMSC.com

 

Guidelines for submitting your VGM Instructions

• MSC prefers to receive a Shipper-Verified Gross Mass (VGM) before cargo is delivered. This helps to avoid any unexpected weighing charges being levied against the cargo at the Trinidad Port of Loading, which will be billed to the Shipper of Record.
• Any Shipper of Record-signed VGM will override any VGM derived at or by the terminal.
• For truck delivery, the ultimate deadline for VGM submission will be 12:00 noon local time on the day of the specified cargo cut-off. 
• There are currently no Trinidad terminals with a “NO VGM – No GATE” policy. 

MSC Administrative Fees and Costs 

• Manual VGM Submission Fee (applies to email, fax, and inclusion on standard shipping instructions): USD25.00 per container. 
• Late VGM Submission Fee: USD25.00 per container. 
• VGM Misdeclaration Fee: USD300.00 per misdeclaration, per container.

Questions about VGM?

Contact our Trinidad & Tobago team TT368-exports@msc.com.

It is illegal to bring the following items into or out of Trinidad and Tobago.
 
Import

Ammunition, Firearms, Weapons (without approval from the Commissioner of Police), Camouflage Clothing or Equipment, Automobiles over 6 years old – Commercial Use, Scrap Rubber, Trademark-Fraudulent Products, Coins/Currency of any Country, Fictitious Stamps, Dyes, Plates or Instruments, Obscene Prints, Paintings or Photos, Rat Poison Containing Arsenic, Saccharin (except to members of the Medical Board or lic. Druggists), Unrefined sugar, Toys (Resembling an Actual Firearm), Left-Hand Drive Vehicles (unless specifically approved), Honey.

 
Export 

Ammunition, Firearms, Weapons (without approval from the Commissioner of Police), Camouflage Clothing or Equipment, Trademark-Fraudulent Products, Coins/Currency of any Country, Fictitious Stamps, Dyes, Plates or Instruments, Toys (Resembling an Actual Firearm) 

Ports and Terminals
MSC operates services to and from the following Trinidad ports.