Freight News, Logistics, Sea

SOLAS Container Weight Documentation Compliance Partnership Launched

[ November 3, 2015   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Members of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC) and the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) have formed a Working Committee to create best practices and address concerns surrounding new amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

The amendment requires shippers and NVOCCs to supply a verified total container weight (including contents) to the vessel master and terminal operator as a condition for loading aboard a ship. The rule goes into effect July 1, 2016.

The Working Committee brings together a diverse industry coalition to discuss timing, feasibility, and documentation requirements. The Working Committee is currently comprised of 25 AgTC member shippers and truckers, eight ocean carriers, and three software providers. It may be expanded to include other key participants in the supply chain, such as terminal operators, port authorities, etc.

A Refrigerated Cargo Sub-Committee has been established, chaired by Perry Bourne of Tyson Foods, also a member of the AgTC Advisory Board, who notes: “Refrigerated shipments are particularly complex and sensitive to any delay; our objective is to ensure that these new rules do not hinder US refrigerated exports.”

Tags: International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea