Obtain information on goods being transported

This standard is about obtaining information on goods being transported. 

The information must be accurate, complete and comply with the requirements of the relevant regulatory authorities, whether operating nationally or internationally. The information obtained must contain all the relevant details in order that the goods can be transported efficiently and on time. You will be responsible for communicating with all those involved in goods transportation and dealing with any discrepancies in the information.

This standard is relevant to all those who are responsible for supporting the transportation of goods as part of their job role.

1.    maintain the health and safety of yourself and others at all times, in line with the relevant legislation and organisational requirements
2.    identify hazards and assess risks as you carry out the activity and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), where required
3.    confirm that the relevant training has been received to carry out the work, recognise the limits of your competence and seek access to further training where required
4.    contact the customer to obtain the required information on the goods being transported
5.    obtain all information that is required for the completion of the relevant documentation on the goods being transported, in line with the relevant legal and organisational requirements
6.    obtain all the relevant transportation instructions for the goods being transported from   customers, and confirm any special requirements
7.    check the content and the suitability of the information obtained
8.    identify the relevant national, EU and international legislation and regulations that apply to the goods being transported and the method of transportation 
9.    comply with the policies and procedures of the organisation and the relevant legal and organisational requirements relating to the transportation of goods
10.    collate the information so that you are ready, when required, to produce the relevant    documentation
11.    identify any discrepancies or issues with the goods or transportation instructions, and take the required action to deal with these 
12.    maintain effective communication with colleagues when carrying out the work
13.    maintain and store the required records, in line with relevant legal and organisational requirements

1.    your responsibilities under the relevant health and safety legislation and organisational requirements
2.    how to identify hazards and assess risks as you carry out the activity and the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE)
3.    where to obtain the required information on the goods being transported
4.    the importance of checking any special requirements needed by different goods and mixes of goods being transported
5.    where to obtain the relevant transportation instructions and details for the goods being  transported 
6.    the relevant national, EU and international legislations, regulations and regulatory bodies and their compliance requirements for different types of goods, transport modes, and international trade
7.    the sources of information on relevant legislation and regulations
8.    the role of relevant organisations and agencies in moving goods nationally and internationally
9.    the systems and procedures used by the relevant organisations and agencies involved in moving goods nationally and internationally
10.    the documentation and level and type of information required by the relevant stakeholders for different types and mixes of goods, transport methods and transit routes
11.    the consequences of providing incorrect or non-compliant information and documentation on the movement of goods
12.    the relevant trade terms and international standards for freight carriage, insurance, and costs (Incoterms)
13.    the correct procedures and timescales for retaining documentation in relation to transporting goods to meet relevant stakeholder requirements
14.    the reporting responsibilities and information systems used by your organisation for transporting goods nationally and internationally
15.    the roles and responsibilities of colleagues when transporting goods and why it is important to maintain effective communication with others when carrying out your work
16.    the information and recording systems used by the organisation and the legal and organisational requirements for maintaining records, including data protection legislation and organisational procedures for data security

Documentation:
•    Transportation documentation
•    Payment documentation
•    Trade documentation
•    Customs

Goods could include: containers; sealed loads or trailers; palletised goods; cages; individual boxes/packages; casks/kegs; bulk materials; liquids, powders or grains; food; temperature-controlled goods; livestock; hazardous goods; vehicles, plant or machinery; timber; customer’s removal goods; goods for return/repair etc

Health and safety includes mental and physical wellbeing

Incoterms:
International Commercial Terms. The Incoterms rules explain a set of 3-letter trade terms reflecting business-to-business practice in contracts for the sale of goods. The Incoterms rules describe the tasks, costs and risks involved in the delivery of goods from sellers to buyers.

Legal and organisational requirements could include:
•    Driving, vehicle and transport regulations
•    Machinery and equipment regulations
•    Workplace safety regulations
•    Working time regulations
•    Codes of practice
•    Organisational requirements
•    Environmental, ethical and social considerations

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) could include: high-visibility clothing, hard hats, protective clothing, eye protection, masks, gloves, safety footwear

Special requirements:
•    segregation
•    environmental requirements – heat, cold, humidity
•    restricted goods
•    welfare requirements for live animals
•    mix of goods
•    security
•    customs declarations

Transportation instructions:
•    time
•    mode of transport
•    cost