After surveying shippers, software vendors and logistics companies in recent days about their experience with implementation of the International Maritime Organization’s verified gross mass rule, the resounding feeling is that things are going pretty smoothly, all-in-all. There have been some reported hiccups, predominantly in Asia, where small suppliers might still not be aware of the container weighing rule, much less be in a position to comply with it by collecting and submitting the verified weight of the boxes they’re exporting to U.S. importers.

So the good news is that, as usual, the industry rose to the challenge. Everyone figured out a way to not let this new regulation completely hamstring the flow of cargo.

The bad news is that all the hand-wringing leading up to the July 1 implementation deadline feels like it could have been easily avoided.

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