Compliance with international regulations is difficult but we have made it easier with our dedicated weighbridges. Quick, easy and competitively priced services are available constantly.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), in its capacity as the specialized agency of the United Nations, which is responsible for global shipping, through the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) Convention, enacted global laws mandating the weighing of all TEUs at the port of loading. In an attempt to increase the safety of the trade and ensure the correct loading of vessels, shippers were given two options to be issued VGM certificates. Trico Logistics is registered with the Department of Measurement Units, Standards & Services (DMUSS) and the Merchant Shipping Secretariat (MSS) and operates four weighbridges at the EFC.

The weighbridges operated by Trico Logistics have a capacity to issue more than 100 VGM certificates per hour, with two weighbridges functioning at any given time. Using a state-of-the-art system, the entire process is completed online with a database of more than 10,000 trucks, trailers and engines. Accuracy of the certificate is guaranteed by the strict and periodic weighing and updating of empty vehicle weights. Shippers save on time spent on the road, diesel consumption, loss of productivity of the vehicles, crews and vehicle depreciation as the EFC is the one-stop-shop for export cargo from the Port of Colombo. With enhanced ICT infrastructure, certificates are issued to the shippers through the EFC portal along with billing for services. In addition, the EFC is equipped to handle Out-of-Gauge (OOG) cargo such as low-beds up to a 100 tonnes with a dedicated weighbridge allocated for such cargo.

The weighbridges are regularly maintained by the local agent of the manufacturer. A dedicated service team is available on stand-by to tend to any urgent repairs at a moment’s notice and sufficiently supplied with spare parts and replacements. Annual registrations with the DMUSS and MSS are also carried out by Trico Logistics along with daily calibration tests on all four weighbridges to ensure reliability of the operation and accuracy of the certifications issued.

The VGM operation at the EFC is one of the most digitally advanced and efficient weighbridge operations in the country. A significant investment has gone into ensuring that the operation is carried out without fail and in a manner that is time and cost saving to the exporter.