Recent years, not least consequent on Brexit, have seen greater opportunities for logistics operators to provide customs related services to their customers. While potentially new and lucrative revenue streams, these services do not come without risk as TT has highlighted previously. In what precise capacity an operator acts will affect the potential liability exposure. In this edition, we take a look at risks applicable European Union wide, but specifically relating to a series of challenges identified in the UK.

The global supply chain is fraught with potential risks, so disputes are perhaps inevitable. The exposure to financial consequences can be minimised, however, by maintaining a robust risk mitigation policy. Risk mitigation extends not only to the proactive steps taken to improve operational safety and security, but also to ensuring, from the outset, that adequate contractual protections are in place.

Compliance with regulations and related requirements is a given for all businesses. Failure to comply will place your business in an extremely difficult position, should a serious incident occur. However, adherence with the law should be seen as the baseline in the context of developing a mature safety culture. Furthermore, achieving the minimum may not ultimately be good enough for your business.

Safety culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours regarding safety within an organisation. If reflects the collective commitment to creating and maintaining a safe working environment for all individuals involved. A strong safety culture goes beyond mere compliance with regulations and standards; it fosters a proactive and continuous effort to identify and mitigate risks, prioritise, safety and promote well-being.

The English Court of Appeal confirms the Commercial Court decision clarifying the application of time-bars in relation to deliveries made after discharged from the ship. Further appeal has been denied, so this case bring welcome certainty, albeit clearly decided on specific contractual wording and factual situation.

TT has been seeking over decades to deliver on its inherent mission to be at the heart of the global transport and logistics industry, and to make the industry safer, more secure and more sustainable.

For 25 years, this newsletter has communicated to the global transport industry information and guidance, highlighting a wide range of topical issues that the industry has faced. Rightly, safety has frequently been the focus of discussion. The industry will inevitably continue to face both existing and as yet unknown challenges.

Over the last 25 years, the global container transport industry has undergone significant economic and safety developments. As with so many aspects of life, many such developments are incremental and have faced various head-winds, such that highlights from this last quarter century may not necessarily be strong indicators of future trends.

Reaching a 300th edition is a significant milestone for any monthly publication, but much is still to be done, working together with the industry to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable that TT Club supports, highlights upcoming challenges, identifies emerging trends and considers the yet unknown risks that the industry will face.

Security is key for container terminals and ports generally. The threat horizon is vast, incorporating cargo theft, illicit trades, alongside operational safety and the prevention of terrorist attacks. Inevitably, account is needed of both land and water interfaces.