Following our previous advisory on 18 April, we can confirm we will implement the process on 15 June 2016.​

To confirm the process at the port gate:

PortConnect is the on-line portal for providing the VGM in the Pre-advice form.

Exports arriving at Fergusson Terminal. All laden export containers will be pre-advised by the exporter or their agent – including B2B versions. Pre-advice will not be possible without a VGM. Containers will not be received into the terminal without the VGM.

Containers arriving by Rail will require Pre-advice including VGM.  If there is no VGM provided, the containers will not be unloaded from the rail wagon. The cost associated with the return of the container to KiwiRail's designated siding will be a commercial arrangement between KiwiRail and their customer.

Cargo Cut-offs will continue to be set by the Terminal and the Multi Cargo Wharves in communication with the shipping lines. For the Terminal, these are published on the vessel schedules.

Late receivals.  The current protocol for late receivals after cut-off will apply. Pre-advice and CEDO are required as a condition of approval by the Line Operator and the Vessel Operator. More information is available on our website here.

Coastal vessels. Containers received for loading at the Container Terminal destined for domestic locations will require VGM.

Multi Cargo Wharves. Containers can be received without VGM, however the addition of the VGM after gate-in will attract a fee. Existing cargo cut-off times will apply.  We strongly advise shippers to pre-advise through PortConnect to ensure correct and timely information and to avoid any extra cost.

Transhipment Cargo. 

At the Terminal, the VGM provided in the in-bound baplie file will be used for the out-bound load. Containers arriving without VGM that have been loaded at the original or previous port prior to 1 July will have the gross weight provided in the baplie transferred to the outbound vessel.

At Multi Cargo we will use the baplie file or discharge excel file provided by the Line to populate the VGM weight in our system.  A VGM must be provided before any unit can be shuttled to the terminal.

Charges. We intend to introduce a charge for manually adding or updating the VGM if required. There will be a grace period until 1 August 2016. From this date we will apply the Change of Status fee of $27.76 per container + GST.  At the Terminal this fee will be added to the Pre-advice fee of $20.22, making a total of $47.98 per container + GST.  This will apply for both the road and rail receivals.

National Road Carriers have advised their members to ask their shipper customers to complete Pre-advice including the VGM.

We thank you in advance for your co-operation in making sure all cargo gates-in and is loaded on the correct vessels.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.