THE CARGO Integrity Group has updated its Quick Guide to the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code).
The group of seven industry organisations produced the guide two years ago. It is designed to help those responsible for packing containers and accurately declaring details of their contents to abide by the often-complex regulations contained in the voluminous CTU Code itself.
The Cargo Integrity Group said awareness of the code is pivotal to safe and secure transport. The group has followed up the Quick Guide’s publication with provision of its full text in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish and Italian.
FIATA director general Stéphane Graber said, “Providing individuals responsible for packing containers, and in some cases for preparing documentation and declarations, with easier access to all-important safety guidelines in their own language, is key in order to make available practical cutting edge knowledge of packing.
“Such information goes beyond maritime operations, reflecting the complexities of intermodal transport in modern day supply chains, and is key to keeping cargo logistics running efficiently.”
According to the group, failure to follow the CTU Code advice puts the people who keep the supply chain moving at risk, leading to incidents and accidents that are still all too common.
The Cargo Integrity Group said such tragedies in the supply chain are to be avoided – most vividly demonstrated by the too frequent occurrence of container ship fires – higher standards of cargo integrity.
Global Shippers Forum director James Hookham said, “We are providing clearer guidance through our revised Quick Guide and Checklist to help those responsible for packing cargo transport units, and in particular intermodal containers, to understand the standards expected in international trade.
“The revised editions recognise the endorsement of all the partner organisations now active in the Cargo Integrity Group and their joint commitment to dissemination of this advice to their respective memberships and wider networks.”
