Ningbo E-port Extends Cooperation With CargoSmart for SOLAS VGM Compliance

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - July 06, 2016) - CargoSmart Limited, a global shipment management software solutions provider that leverages big data for greater visibility and benchmarking, today announced that Ningbo E-port has extended its cooperation with CargoSmart to meet the new container weight requirements for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. Shippers and freight forwarders can now submit the verified gross mass (VGM) of their Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan export containers through Ningbo E-port's platform at no additional charge. In addition, they will gain visibility to a dashboard with VGM submission deadlines and status for 30 ocean carriers and customs clearance to help ensure timely exports.

The Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan is the fourth largest port in the world in terms of container throughput. Over 30,000 shippers and forwarders manage their multiple carrier shipments through Ningbo E-port's online portal. As of July 1, 2016, shippers named on the bill of lading are required to submit the VGM of their cargo before ocean carriers' cut-off times, otherwise their cargo may be held at the port, incur costly demurrage charges, and experience departure delays.

"Enhancing our platform through integration with CargoSmart's system lets our customers meet the new SOLAS requirements," said Xu Wei, deputy general manager of Ningbo E-port. "CargoSmart's solutions enable our customers to comply with minimal changes to their current shipping documentation submission process and gain additional shipment visibility online to keep their cargo moving."

Shippers currently make booking requests, submit shipping instructions, and track cargo through Ningbo E-port's portal, which is supported by CargoSmart's EDI service. They can now submit VGMs to multiple carriers through the centralized portal to minimize changes to their existing documentation process and the effort to manage VGMs. After Ningbo E-port captures the VGM information from shippers, forwarders, and Ningbo Terminal's weighing service, CargoSmart transmits the data to carriers.

CargoSmart's platform provides Ningbo E-port customers and their supply chain associates additional visibility to key deadlines and milestones. Ningbo E-port's customers have access to a dashboard on CargoSmart's online platform to monitor VGM submission deadlines and status as well as custom clearance status. The timely information empowers them to better collaborate with shipment related parties for shipment planning. "We are pleased that our solutions will be helping thousands of Ningbo exporters comply with the new SOLAS requirements," said Lionel Louie, chief commercial officer of CargoSmart. "Through our cooperative effort, Ningbo E-port is a leader in providing shipment and customs level visibility to improve the shipment management process."

About Ningbo E-port

Ningbo E-port (Ningbo International Logistics Development Co., Ltd.) was established in November 2003. It is funded and supported by Ningbo Municipal Government, Ningbo Customs, Ningbo Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Ningbo Port Group Limited, and China E-Port Data Center Ningbo Branch. Ningbo E-port provides software and data exchange services to 50% of the cargo owners and 70% of the freight forwarding business enterprises in Ningbo. It is the only e-government and e-commerce integrated logistics information platform in Ningbo, providing customs clearance declaration, e-commerce operations, enterprise management operations, electronic data transmission, and other information services for shippers, freight forwarders, shipping companies, shipping agencies, warehouses, and container yards. To learn more, visit: www.nbeport.com.

About CargoSmart

CargoSmart Limited provides global shipment management software solutions that enable shippers, consignees, logistics service providers, NVOCCs, and ocean carriers to improve planning and on-time deliveries. With a growing network of container carriers and terminals, CargoSmart leverages big data sources and a cloud-based platform to offer award-winning sailing schedules, visibility, documentation, contract management, compliance, and benchmarking solutions. Launched in 2000, CargoSmart has helped over 160,000 transportation and logistics professionals to increase delivery reliability, lower transportation costs, and streamline operations. For more information, please visit www.cargosmart.com.