Technological advances in digitalisation of process, telematics and smart containers provide opportunities to mitigate risk for the temperature controlled supply chain. However, much still relies on human intervention - and that is the aspect that TT's claims experience suggests continues to produce losses.
Workforce fatigue is a topic that has been considered in the context of the COVID pandemic and also more generally in past editions of TT Talk. It, however, remains an important factor in keeping people safe and equipment and property protected.
There are innumerable spaces found through the global supply chain that should be considered encloses or confined, some more obvious that others. Unfortunately, these spaces claim many lives each year when ill-prepared workers enter them. For this reason, we return to this topic.
As previously highlighted, risks associated with clandestine migration around the world include impact on the freight supply chain. Criminal organisations behind this illicit activity have long realised that legitimate logistics operations present very efficient means of moving people, often undetected across key borders.
There will be a range of people entering a port or terminal facility on a sporadic or temporary basis. Managing the safety of all third-party personnel who might not be familiar with your facility should be a high priority and can present additional challenges.
The latest BSI and TT Club study of freight crime statistics highlights the direct influence of current global economic instability on criminal activity. Various geopolitical situations and the macro-economic impact of inflation around the globe have driven a series of trends through 2022 that are likely to continue in the foreseeable future. The global logistics industry need to be alert to the changing threat landscape.
An English court review of what comprises, under the Hague-Visby Rules, “loss or damage to or in connection with the goods” where the claim includes both physical damage and economic loss elements. Should limitation be calculated on the weight of the entire cargo or just what was physically lost or damaged?
Wildlife crime is a topic TT has profiled before, but remains a critical threat to biodiversity, local and national economies, national and international security, and global health. The global pandemic itself highlighted emerging infectious diseases, 60% of which are considered zoonotic, that is infectious diseases that are able to pass between animals and humans, and elevated discussions around the impact of wildlife crime and unregulated trade.
With ever increasing operational and financial pressures placed on ports and terminals, whether it be to reduce costs, increase throughput and productivity, or simply deal with demand peaks and troughs, housekeeping may be considered a fairly non-controversial topic and certainly not one that would feature on the priority list... perhaps it should.
For decades, TT Club has supported a range of organisations and initiatives aligned to the Club's mission of making the transport and logistics industry safer and more secure. Here, we profile a selection of these, providing updates and highlighting the importance of each.
The humble shipping container has existed for over 60 years, admirably facilitating global trade through intermodal supply chains with great efficiency. In recent years, however, there have been numerous innovators seeking to harness emerging capabilities and imagine boxes integrated into broad supply chain activities.
The advent or electronic bills of lading (e-bills) has been promised for around a quarter of a century. The pinch points encountered through the pandemic doubtless have catalysed developed and acceptance, together with a drive for business efficiencies. Are they now poised to play an important role in shaping the future of the transport industry?
A Singapore appeal judgment delivers some clarity on court procedural practices. However, the broader application really relates to ensuring that 'know your customer' and due diligence procedures are robust in order to provide protection where fairly usual requests for changes are made in the course of a transaction.
The requirement for employers engaged in the transport of dangerous goods by road, rail, or inland waterway to appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) was introduced from 1 January 2000, through EC Directive 96/35/EC. With changes afoot, is this enough?
At TT Club, we frequently emphasise the vital importance of due diligence. Since the vast majority of trade and transport transactions are conducted without the opportunity to meet your counterparty in person, rigorous processes are required to protect your own business and maintain safety and security more generally. Legislative backing in Germany is a welcome development, albeit initiated form a perspective of human rights.
While most directly involved in the freight supply chain will have an awareness of the principles of General Average, they might struggle to explain them to their customers. TT's latest StopLoss briefing provides a straightforward summary of the topic, along with essential good practice advice.
An important decision given by the English Commercial Court clarifying the application of time-bars in relation to deliveries made after discharges from the ship. While potentially subject to appeal and clearly decided on specific contractual wording, this case brings welcome certainty.
Lithium batteries was a topic that TT Talk covered in February 2022 in recognition of emerging concerns over incidents through the global supply chain. One such concern was a shift away from air transport towards maritime and road. Over the last eight months, such fears appear to have materialised with an increasing number of incidents recorded through other modes of transport.
Container operators have enjoyed a buoyant period with high levels of equipment utilisation through the last couple of years. Increased demand has, of course, been accompanied by issues arising from congestion and supply chain bottlenecks, presenting challenges in repositioning empties to be packed.
Supply chain security often focuses on cargo, but that is not alone as target for thieves. While the circumstances are typically more complex, containers and trailers are also subject to theft globally. This type of theft reveals methods that are quite distinct from cargo theft incidents, so being aware of the threat landscape is critical.
In relation to global regulatory consideration of cargo risks, the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) is pivotal. For the first time in three years, this UN body will be able to meet in person during September (as well as virtually). With almost 100 substantive submissions (as usual), there is much work to be done.
Global trade requires goods to circumnavigate the globe through different climatic zones, predominantly involving sea carriage. The standard general purpose freight container, while effective at protecting the cargo within, is unable to prevent the effects of ambient temperature fluctuations and the resultant condensation that this might cause in connection with certain cargo types.
Working at height remains one of the biggest causes of fatality and major injury in the workplace. The common perception is that these relate to falls from ladders or through fragile surfaces, where workers are far from the surface below. This is not always the case however.
Many companies through the global supply chain would see safety as primary importance; it is routinely discussed at Board level and embedded in culture through the organisation. Nevertheless, incidents occur. This article ‘takes the temperature’ in the UK setting.
The loss prevention function of TT Club considers all aspects of safety and security through the global supply chain. As a part of this continued mission, TT has forged collaboration with a number of industry organisations. One such long-standing collaboration is with the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA).
It cannot be overstated how critical it is to maintain good practice when shipping dangerous goods. 14 July 2022 sees the passing of the tenth anniversary of the fateful Atlantic crossing of the MSC Flaminia that cost the lives of three seafarers and results in extensive damage to cargo and the ship.
Letters of indemnity (LOI) are quite frequently used in the international shipping and trade practice. Despite discussions and advices around the topic, there are always concerns around the value and enforceability of such undertakings.
By way of update, the Hong Kong Appeal Court confirms the rejection of jurisdiction based solely on a ship's arrest, thus thwarting an attempt to secure potential greater ship's limitation fund. This follows the existing legal tests relating to the natural and appropriate forum for a hearing.
Commercial relationships being what they are, there will be instances where a freight forwarder or logistics operator may be presented with an opportunity to start or continue to provide services to a customer on condition that they accept full liability for the goods in question. Consider such requests carefully!
An update, following appeal, concerning the ancient principles of general average (GA). In this instance the cause was piracy, but the case involved the interfaces between differing contracts and sharing risk - both by way of insurance and GA. The English Court of Appeal decides…
