Hactl signs up to ULD CARE’s Code of Conduct

June 27, 2019: Independent handler Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) has become Hong Kong's first organisation to sign up to ULD CARE’s new Unit Load Device (ULD) Code of Conduct. Hactl signed the Code of Conduct Agreement at IATA’s International Ground Handling Conference in Madrid in May this year.

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

The Code’s primary aim is to reduce avoidable damage and loss of ULDs throughout the supply chain. A number of airlines, handlers, forwarders and ULD suppliers have already signed up to the code.

"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." said Wilson Kwong, chief executive, Hactl.

Hactl Container Storage System

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

“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. We congratulate ULD CARE on recognising this problem, and launching a simple but effective initiative that should help to mitigate the problem through heightened awareness,” added Kwong.

There are some 9,00,000 ULDs in circulation worldwide, with a replacement value of around $1 billion. Repairs cost the industry around $300 million every year, while some 5 percent of the global ULD inventory (45,000 units, worth $50 million) simply go missing.

Bob Rogers, vice-president, ULD CARE, said: "Codes of conduct are not commonly found in aviation, as civil aviation regulations generally set the required standards. However, when it comes to ULDs, many ground operations take place outside the regulated framework, which is why we believe there is a need for supplementary guidance in the form of our new Code of Conduct."

“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,” added Rogers.

Hactl was recently appointed Mongolia's Eznis Airways' and Florida-based airline Western Global Airlines' cargo ground handler.