# FCL Shipment Timeline: Booking, VGM and Cut-Offs [Source](https://onechain-tms.com/en/blog/le-timing-de-mise-en-place-dun-transport-fcl/) Language: en Author: Baudouin de Dreuille Published: 2024-07-05 Updated: 2026-09-23 An FCL (Full Container Load) shipment timeline is the sequence of deadlines between booking and vessel departure: booking, empty container pick-up, stuffing, VGM, shipping instructions, export customs and delivery to the terminal. **There is no universal lead time.** Each deadline, called a cut-off, is set by the carrier and the terminal for a specific vessel and appears on the booking confirmation. You build the plan backwards from those dates. ## The steps of an FCL export | Step | What happens | Who sets the date | | --- | --- | --- | | Booking | Space and equipment are reserved on a vessel | Carrier, at the request of the shipper or forwarder | | Empty pick-up | The empty container is collected from the designated depot | Carrier (depot and pick-up window) | | Stuffing | Goods are loaded into the container and sealed | Shipper and supplier | | VGM | The packed container's verified gross mass is submitted | Carrier or terminal VGM cut-off | | Shipping instructions | Bill of lading data is sent to the carrier | Documentation (SI) cut-off | | Export customs | Export declaration and release | Customs broker, in line with port and carrier requirements | | Terminal delivery | The full container enters the terminal (gate-in) | Terminal (port) cut-off | | ETD / ETA | Estimated departure and arrival of the vessel | Carrier; dates can change | ## Cut-offs: the dates that really matter A cut-off is the latest point to complete a step for a given vessel. Maersk, for example, shows three key deadlines for each sailing: container gate-in, shipping instructions and VGM ([Maersk, how to find the vessel cut-off time](https://www.maersk.com/support/faqs/how-can-i-find-out-the-vessel-cut-off-time)). For shipping instructions, Maersk explains that the final deadline is shown on the booking confirmation, while the dates on its dashboard are deliberately set earlier to leave a margin ([Maersk, shipping instructions deadline](https://www.maersk.com/support/faqs/shipping-instructions-deadline)). Other carriers also communicate cut-offs with the booking: read the confirmation rather than relying on a "typical" lead time. ### VGM, a SOLAS requirement VGM (Verified Gross Mass) is required by SOLAS regulation VI/2 (the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea), in force since 1 July 2016. According to the [International Maritime Organization](https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/safety/pages/verification-of-the-gross-mass.aspx), the shipper must provide it to the master and the terminal early enough for the vessel stowage plan. Two methods are allowed: weigh the packed container, or weigh all packages, pallets, dunnage and securing material and add the container's tare mass, using a certified method. VGM is a condition for loading. Maersk states that no container will be loaded without a VGM, and that some terminals apply a "No VGM, No Gate-in" policy: the container may be refused at the gate, with possible extra costs from the trucker's waiting time ([Maersk, SOLAS VGM requirement](https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2020/04/22/solas-vgm-requirement)). As a general rule, Maersk asks for the VGM before the terminal gate-in cut-off and gives these deadlines with the booking confirmation. ### Export customs In the EU, the customs office of export processes the declaration and grants release, which allows the goods to leave. They then move to the office of exit with an export accompanying document; that office confirms the goods have left the EU, which leads to the exit certification the exporter needs to support the VAT exemption ([French customs, export formalities](https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/formalites-lexportation-les-notions-essentielles)). Your customs broker will tell you when the declaration must be lodged for your port and carrier. ## ETD and ETA are estimates ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) and ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) are estimates. A vessel can be delayed, or a container "rolled", meaning moved to a later sailing. When that happens, ask which deadlines change: a new ETD does not necessarily move every cut-off, and free time at the port may keep running. See [demurrage and detention: definitions, free time, calculation](https://onechain-tms.com/en/blog/tout-comprendre-aux-frais-de-detention-et-de-demurrage). ## Building the plan backwards 1. **Start from the booking confirmation**: vessel, voyage, equipment, pick-up and delivery locations, cut-offs. 2. **Work back to the cargo**: supplier readiness date, stuffing time, road or barge leg to the terminal. 3. **Place the documents**: commercial invoice, packing list, shipping instructions, VGM, export declaration. 4. **Name an owner for each deadline**: supplier, trucker, forwarder, customs broker. 5. **Keep a margin** suited to your route and your partners' reliability, rather than a generic rule. References, documents and milestones can be followed in the [OneChain shipment file](https://onechain-tms.com/en/transport-management). To choose a provider before booking, see [comparing international freight quotes](https://onechain-tms.com/en/blog/comparaison-des-cotations-de-transport-internationale-gagner-en-efficacite-et-en-economies). ## Frequently asked questions ### How long does it take to arrange an FCL shipment? There is no single answer. It depends on cargo readiness, vessel space and the cut-offs set by the carrier and terminal. Start from the booking confirmation and plan backwards. ### What is a cut-off in ocean freight? It is the latest date and time to complete a step before a given vessel sails: delivering the container to the terminal, sending shipping instructions or submitting the VGM. Cut-offs appear on the booking confirmation. ### What is VGM? The verified gross mass of the packed container. SOLAS has required it since 1 July 2016: the shipper must submit it in time for the stowage plan. No packed container is loaded without a VGM. ### What is the difference between the documentation cut-off and the terminal cut-off? The documentation cut-off is the deadline for the information needed to issue the bill of lading. The terminal cut-off is the latest time for the full container to physically enter the terminal. ### What happens if you miss a cut-off? The container may not be loaded and can be moved to a later sailing. Extra costs can follow, such as trucker waiting time. Ask your forwarder for the new deadlines. ### Who sets the ETD and ETA? The carrier, based on its sailing schedule. They are estimates and can change during the voyage.