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messages to all, especially those packing the units at the cargo point of origin. By following the recommendations within the


CTU Code, the many incidents in transport that are attributed to poor practices in the packing of cargo transport units, including inadequate securing of the cargo, overloading, and incorrect declaration of contents should be reduced. Such incidents cause major concern, particularly because the victims may be the general public or transport and supply chain workers, who generally have no control over the packing of such units. Many of you may remember the TT Club video


‘Any Fool Can Stuff a Container’ and will be aware of the catastrophic consequences of getting this particular discipline wrong, so we urge all BIFA Members to make their staff aware of the CTU code. It imposes key common-sense requirements upon many parties, including: • Arrange for a safe working environment. • Check that the CTU and any securing equipment are in sound condition.


• Select the most appropriate CTU type for the specific cargo.


• Pack dangerous goods near the doors of the CTU where possible.


• Do not concentrate heavy cargo over small areas of the floor.


• Do not use securing or protection equipment which is incompatible with the cargo.


The CTU Code – are you aware?


If your company follows the CTU code’s recommendations, the many incidents that are attributed to poor practices in the packing of cargo transport units should be reduced.


CTU means Cargo Transport Units and all BIFA Members that regularly stow goods for export should be aware of the CTU Code and are urged to comply with the recommendations of the code. A CTU Code Compliance Campaign was


launched in 2017 and we wrote about this at the time. Many readers will be aware of the expression


that “quality is a journey not a destination”, and in the never-ending quest for perfection maritime safety is an area where all stakeholders must constantly examine working methods for


January 2018


continuous improvement. The International Maritime Organization (IMO)


and the European Commission joined together last year to highlight best practice in packing and securing cargo and compliance across all modes. Whilst the European Commission has no


legislation covering what is predominantly an international multimodal issue, DG Move has taken an active role in the campaign. However, a lot of work remains to be done


both in simplifying the existing CTU Code language and in communicating its sound


• Affix required placards, marks and signs on the exterior of the CTU.


In order to counter an ‘out of sight, out of


mind’ culture, the CTU Code sets out a clear chain of responsibility.


Specific osbligations This chain attaches specific obligations to the various parties in the maritime supply chain: consignor, packer, shipper, road haulier, rail haulier and consignee. This is a positive change, as where the cause of the cargo damage can be identified then authorities will more easily be able to impose liability on a particular party. It is hoped that the increased likelihood of accountability will promote higher standards of CTU transportation. The need to properly pack a CTU cannot be


stressed enough and failure to distribute and secure cargo appropriately will more than likely result in loss or damage to the cargo. The CTU code is currently available on the IMO website. Simply type IMO CTU Code.


BIFA is grateful to our friends at the TT Club for their assistance in preparing this article and we will be working together during 2018 to highlight this topic.


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