From the documents we received from GD VII - EC we learned the progresses made in the process of harmonization of loading units in the field of intermodality and intermodal freight transport in EU, as follows:
1. A study (ITU-NORM), co-ordinated by the "Burreau International des Conteneurs"(BIC), has been initiated. The aim is to make an-depth analysis of the current inefficiencies related to the harmonisation of loading units and to issue recommendations for a standard for intermodal loading units which allows for smooth transfer between modes.
2. Close co-ordination with CEN (Comite Europeen de Normalisation), the main European standardisation organisation, and with the different industry stakeholders has been established.
3. In recent years a need has emerged to examine the development of a small-standardised container, the so-called logistics box. In response, the COST 339-Action has been launched with a view to looking at the feasibility of developing such a small container.
4. Standardisation is on the agenda of the EU-USA Forum on Freight Intermodalism. This Forum aims at gathering the views of high-level industry representatives of the USA on Trans-Atlantic intermodal transport and is organised once a year by the European Commission and US DoT (Department of Transportation).
Unfortunately, our information has limited to the European Zone, so far.
Having in view, on the one hand, the fact that Intermodal and Short Shipping does not represent and shall not represent a transport system, applicable to one geographical region including only Europe and its hydrographical basin and, on the other hand, the international character of the standards which are to be elaborated, we appeal to the Subcommittee TCS/SC11, to inform us concerning the transport system, under consideration, in the geographical zone they belong to, in order to co-ordinate all the information in view of a working programme.
Nevertheless, to define, from the beginning the limits of the working field of SC11, we propose the following preliminary themes/titles:
1. Intermodal and Short Sea Shipping. Requirements for the Transport System:
"Intermodal and Short Sea Shipping"
2. Intermodal and Short Sea Shipping. Procedures involved in the Transport System:
"Intermodal and Short Sea shipping".
We propose the elaboration of these first norms in co-operation with the Committee CEN/CEN300, of course, if the proposal shall be agreed upon, taking into account the precedent already existing in this working system, between ISO/TC8/SC7 and CEN/TC15 (CEN/TC15, 00015023; CEN/TC15, 00015024).
Looking forward your answers, we thank you very much for your kind collaboration.
Best regards,
Liviu Crudu
Chairman of ISO TC8/SC11
Jean Alexiu
Secretary
