TT Club launches ‘cargo integrity’ campaign on back of VGM

TT Club says that an insistence on verified gross mass (VGM) is just the first step in achieving what it is calling 'cargo integrity' not just within container trades but throughout the entire supply chain. 

Speaking at the recent industry conference, Intermodal Europe in Rotterdam, TT Club’s risk management director, Peregrine Storrs-Fox emphasised the importance of the concept to safety both at sea and onshore: “By increasing the visibility of cargo integrity we hope to draw attention to other vital aspects of secure and safe cargo transport. This will include the proper packing of cargo within a unit; transparent data regarding contents (particularly classification of regulated goods) and the appropriate safe handling of such commodities; the highest standards of container construction and maintenance and the most advanced methods of stowing and lashing containers on board ships”, he explained.

“In the immediate future we are anxious to promote awareness of, and adherence to the CTU code. This is the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units, a publication sponsored by the three relevant UN agencies”, stated Mr Storrs-Fox. “The CTU code legitimises the chain of responsibility for all stakeholders, providing a comprehensive framework to ensure cargo can complete the entire journey safely and successfully. We urge all those engaged in moving goods internationally to follow the code diligently”.

Over the course of the coming year while driving as wide an implementation as possible of the CTU code, TT Club says it will also be advising on initiatives to improve the other aspects of safe carriage of international freight through its cargo integrity campaign.