In a nutshell, how would you describe the main role of the Cargo Integrity Group?
The Cargo Integrity Group (CIG) is an innovative coalition of organisations representing diverse aspects of the intermodal supply chain. Comprising the Container Owners Association, Global Shippers Forum, ICHCA International, TT Club and World Shipping Council, the group deliberately seeks to understand differing perspectives in order to improve safety and security, and to protect the environment, through the logistics supply chain.
What is the biggest challenge facing Cargo Integrity Group today?
It is evident that there are myriad challenges to change behaviours across the globe in relation to cargo packing. By forming the wide-based CIG, drawing in interests across the supply chain, it has been demonstrated that collaboration for common objectives can work. However, the range of actors who need to be influenced is vast. As a result, CIG has an ongoing programme of engagement with the full range of industry actors and associations, each of whom can assist in communicating messages to support adoption of the CTU Code and compliance with other related regulations.
How do Cargo Integrity Group and IUMI work together?
There are many areas of interest concerning the intermodal supply chain relating to safety, security or environmental impact where there is a convergence between CIG and IUMI. While the scope of activity for CIG relates necessarily to cargo packing matters, many of these resonate with multiple aspects of the IUMI Policy Agenda. Further, the partners in CIG regularly (and happily) interact with IUMI at industry association level (such as CINS (Cargo Incident Notification System)) as well as with governmental agencies (such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO)). Understanding and aligning perspectives and priorities is key.
If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing in the shipping industry what would it be?
With so much attention and activity focused on digitalisation and automation, it is easy to anticipate that the future can be materially different – and that is clearly so. The last few decades have, at least in many parts of the world, managed to reduce the direct exposure of the workforce to hazard in many scenarios; automation continues that trend. The efficiencies gained through digitisation, particularly where this can be achieved end-to-end globally will also be game-changing. Putting relevant and accessible information in the hands of those actually carrying out manual functions is one focus for CIG. However, the wand waving really is reserved for effective, consistent communication, between humans in this fragmented world.
If you were not in your current role what would be your ideal job?
Having spent almost two decades pursuing risk management and loss prevention solutions to serve the transport and logistics industry, working extensively with many like-minded people in industry associations and governmental agencies globally, it would be sad if I could not say that I derive challenge, satisfaction and enjoyment from my current role. If anything I strive to make things a little better – actually, no, a whole load better – than I find them; I particularly value working with others to this end.
What do you like doing when not working?
Oh to be able to travel! While family, hobbies and local community are important (poignant in lockdown), I’ve reached the stage of life where exploring more of the world might be possible – and hope to do some of that before too long.
The CIG has compiled a "Quick Guide" and a checklist for the broad industry to engage more successfully with the CTU Code and to assist a wider understanding of good packing practices. Both documents can be downloaded HERE, both in English and in Chinese.
