Safe Handling of Tank Containers - ITCO

ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet No 30
Annex 4 Documentation
A4.1 Booking Request
A4.1.1 The documentation chain starts with the shipper or the freight forwarder
making a Booking Request (see Figure A4.1) to use tank containers to
transport their product to the destination.
A4.1.2 Every request should include a unique Shipper’s Reference which will be
used on all future documentation and correspondence.
A4.1.3 Every shipment made in tank containers will require the shipper to book
either tank containers owned by the shipping line or to use their own
(shipper’s own) tank and book “slots”. Additionally the shipper will need to
specify the size of the tank container (normally 20 ft), the volume of the
pressure vessel, the average weight of the cargo, whether heating or cooling
is required and what power / heat source is required to operate it and any
other unique features or requirements such as holding time.
A4.1.4 Tank containers can be shipped in three states, loaded with a cargo, uncleaned
with a residue of the previous cargo or cleaned.
A4.1.5 The Shipper will need to advise the shipping line of the cargo that is to be
carried. If the cargo is classified as Dangerous Goods then the shipper will
need to provide the UN number, the Proper Shipping Name, the primary and
secondary hazard class(es), the packing group and, if applicable, the flash
point of the product being carried.
A4.1.6 The port of loading/port of discharge sections deal with the deep / short sea
voyage itself, identifying the container yard (CY) where the tank container
originates, the planned port of discharge and the planned dates for the
loading and discharge.
A4.1.7 The steamship line will also record its booking number for the booking.
A4.1.8 Some countries may require details of the customs office to be recorded
A4.1.9 The section for special instructions should be used to indicate stowage and
handling requirements and any other information that would be useful to the
shipping line stevedores and transport companies.
Page 56 ©ICHCA International Limited