CTU Operator
Is the owner or lessor of the CTU and must...

• check the container for usability/or check it according to ACEP for example
  
• make sure that the container meets the ISO requirements

The consigner must...

• Indicate the goods and load weight correctly
  
• inform the packer or the packing area about any product-specific characteristics (e.g. location of the overall centre of gravity, temperature recommendations)
  
• make sure that the load units can withstand appropriate transport
  
• provide all operators with specific stowage and packing advice
  
• make sure that all goods and load units are secured against shifting and tipping
  
• make sure that during transport no dangerous or toxic gases are released from the consignment
  
• make sure that dangerous goods are classified, packed and marked according to applicable international dangerous goods regulations
  
• complete the transport document fully and properly and transmit it to others (packing area, shipper, consignor)

The packer/packing area must...

• check the CTU for suitability for the load being transported
  
• avoid overloading the structural components of the CTU
  
• distribute the load evenly in the CTU (refer to region-specific requirements in this regard)
  
• prevent the invasion of plants and pests during loading using appropriate measures
  
• lock the CTU securely and seal it according to applicable national and international requirements
  
• make sure that the CTU bears all legally-required marking and placards (dangerous goods label)
  
• attach appropriate warning signs when the CTU is treated with gas
  
• the correct gross weight is given to the consignor
  
• comply with segregation regulations/dangerous goods regulations
  
• produce a container packing certificate and provide this to the consignor

The carrier must...

• monitor the agreed temperature in the CTU and make any necessary changes
  
• secures the CTU for transportation.
  
• provides the CTU in accordance with the agreements and all applicable regulations
  
• provides personnel for all types of loading (conventional loading, fluid and solid bulk cargo, dangerous goods, out-of-gauge loads, refrigerated cargo, non-containerised loads)
  

The road haulage companymust…

• confirm that the gross mass as well as the length, width and height of the vehicle does not exceed the limits set out in the national road/motorway regulations
  
• make sure that the driver has sufficient driving time and doesn't drive when fatigued
  
• secure the CTU appropriately on the trailer or the chassis except when this is a trailer
  
• move the CTU so that the CTU or the load is not subject to any extraordinary loads
  
  

The railway company must…

• when handling the CTU, make sure that the load is not damaged
  
• secure the CTU properly on the railway car except when it is a railway car
  
  

The operator in intermodal transport must…

• make sure that any pest control measures remain after the removal of any mud and dirt from the CTU
  
• comply with the provisions set out in annex 2 of the code

The consignee must...

• make sure that the CTU's packing floor is not overloaded
  
• air the CTU properly
  
• confirm that the atmosphere within the CTU is not dangerous before people access it
  
• determine any damage to the CTU and inform the provider of this
  
• unless agreed otherwise, make sure that the CTU is completely empty and clean before returning it to the CTU provider
  
• remove any markings, placards or descriptions relating to the previous consignment

The shipper must...

• clarify the responsibilities of the people present and the packing process
  
• use appropriate CTUs
  
• make sure that the CTU provided is free from crop protection products before it is delivered to the consignor or packer
  
• the danger of accident or injury through the choice of a suitable vehicle and/or CTU remains as low as possible
  
• make sure that the packer and sender provide all required documents
  
• make sure that the load in the CTU is properly described
  
• the gross mass of the CTU is correct,
  
• provide an adequate description of the load as soon as possible
  
• inform the consignor of the gross mass determined as soon as possible
  
• make sure that, in case of dangerous goods, the consignment document and the container packing certificate are forwarded before the beginning of carriage and submitted to the consignor as soon as possible
  
• for temperature-controlled goods, provide the correct temperature set point in the control unit and on the consignment/shipping documents
  
• provide a seal, where required, immediately after completion of the packing of the CTU
  
• provide the consignor with the seal number, where required
  
• inform the consignor of any unusual characteristics such as reduced stacking capacity or exceeding of the load measure
  
• make sure that the sender details are correct
  
• make sure that the shipping instructions are sent to the consignor correctly and complies with the delivery schedule
  
• make sure that the CTU reaches the terminal by the acceptance deadline
  
• make sure that the consignment and description of the packages and - in the case of freight containers - include the gross mass