Hactl signs up to ULD Care Code of Conduct

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl) is the latest air cargo organisation to support ULD Care’s Unit Load Device Code of Conduct.

The 10-point code is a voluntary agreement promoting best practice in the handling of ULDs and represents a gold standard benchmark for safe and efficient operations on the ground and in flight.

The code’s primary aim is to reduce avoidable damage and loss of ULDs throughout the supply chain.

Hactl signed the agreement at IATA’s International Ground Handling Conference in Madrid, making it the first Hong Kong organisation to do so.

Wilson Kwong, chief executive of Hactl says: “The ULD is fundamental to the modern air cargo industry; but it’s an everyday item that we all take for granted, and which many do not treat with the necessary care and respect.”

Hactl processed 1.14 million ULDs in 2018, and operates its own strict set of ULD handling procedures and provides thorough staff training.

It uses its COSAC-Plus system to manage its customers’ ULD inventory and provide real-time status information that includes photographic images of all equipment.

Kwong says: “Damaged ULDs represent a colossal bill for the industry every year. In extreme cases, they can also reduce protection for cargo, and cause localised equipment shortages that disrupt schedules and impair flown-as-booked performance.”

There are 900,000 ULDs in circulation, with repairs costing the industry around $300 million a year while some 5% of the inventory worth $50 million go missing.

Bob Rogers, vice president of ULD Care says: “We are delighted to have a handler of Hactl’s stature signing up to the Code. While they clearly don’t need any additional guidance on ULD operations, their support for the Code is an invaluable endorsement from an industry leader, and assists in spreading the important message that we must take greater care of this vital industry asset.”