The Intermodal Safe Container Act has taken effect on April 6, 1997. This is designed to reduce the number of overweight containers on U.S. highways. The act was originally passed in 1992, but implementation was delayed pending modifications to make it more effective. The act was amended last year, and signed into law in October.

The purpose of this law is to ensure correct certification of the weight. Federal and state laws are already in place regarding the maximum weights allowable on highways. Weight certification is required for any
container or trailer which:

- is part of an intermodal movement,
- will travel by motor carrier on a U.S. public highway, and
- will contain more than 29,000 lbs. gross weight (13,150 kg)

The gross cargo weight must be advised to the first carrier handling the shipment. Certification for import shipments will most commonly be on the bill of lading, which contains the container identification number
and a description of the cargo.

The certification must contain the actual gross weight of the container contents (including packing material and pallets), and the identity and date of the certifying party. Normally this will be your supplier.

Failure to comply with the certification may provide for monetary penalties, but it may also result in delays in transferring the cargo once it arrives at the U.S. arrival port.