TERMINAL-CHECK-IN

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHEN SENDING LOADING UNITS

TO YO U R A DVA N TAG E .

IMPRINT / PUBLISHER
Kombiverkehr Deutsche Gesellschaft für kombinierten Güterverkehr mbH & Co KG
Postfach 94 01 53 · D-60459 Frankfurt am Main · Ludwig-Landmann-Straße 405 · D-60486 Frankfurt am Main
Phone +49 69/7 95 05-0 · Fax +49 69/7 95 05-119 · E-Mail info@kombiverkehr.de · Internet www.kombiverkehr.de
Combined road-rail transport (CT) is very demanding in terms of safety and
security, particularly when intermodal loading units are being transported by
rail. At terminals a so-called “check-in” procedure is carried out to ensure,
firstly, the end-to-end safekeeping of the damage documentation required
by each company involved in the transport chain and, secondly, the greatest
possible safety and security during transport by rail.

In this brochure Kombiverkehr would like to tell you about the function of
terminal check-in and its procedure, use actual examples to illustrate essential
safety criteria and transport guidelines for selected types of loading units, and
pass on important information about identification codes for loading units and
the transport of hazardous goods and waste. Please note that this information
simply covers the basic essentials and does not claim to take into account every
eventuality.

More detailed information can be obtained from our Kombiverkehr agency

staff or from the contacts listed on page 23.

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TERMINALS IN GERMANY CONTENTS

TERMINAL-CHECK-IN 6

FUNCTION OF TERMINAL-CKECK-IN 6

TERMINAL-CHECK-IN PROCEDURE 8

TRANSPORT GUIDELINES FOR COMBINED TRANSPORT 10

G E N E R A L N OT E S F O R A L L L OA D I N G U N I T S 10

T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R L OA D I N G U N I T S
W I T H TA R PAU L I N S U P E R S T RU C T U R E 13

S P E C I A L N OT E S F O R L OA D I N G U N I T S W I T H
TA R PAU L I N S U P E R S T RU C T U R E I N C U RTA I N S I D E R D E S I G N 16

T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R S E M I - T R A I L E R S 17

T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R S WA P B O D I E S 18

T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R C O N TA I N E R S 19

S P E C I A L N OT E S F O R TA N K C O N TA I N E R S 20

A DV I C E O N T H E T R A N S P O RT O F H A Z A R D O U S G O O D S A N D WA S T E 22

Terminal with direct services

Terminal is connected by single-wagon service,
additional information avialable on request WHO TO CONTACT AT KOMBIVERKEHR 23

D E TA I L E D I N F O R M AT I O N O N T E R M I N A L S

Visit our website at www.kombiverkehr.de > Customer information >

Terminals & agencies for more detailed information on all national and
international terminals, including addresses and contacts, opening times
and booking advice.

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TERMINAL-CHECK-IN

FUNCTION OF THE TERMINAL-CHECK-IN

The main purpose of terminal-check-in is to identify and document any possible

damage or defects in a loading unit sent by road. The aim is to have consistent,
end-to-end damage documentation throughout the chain of transport. During
terminal-check-in the loading unit is also inspected to make sure that it is fit for
handling and forwarding. This means that loading units sent by road are first
inspected on arrival by check-in staff, to ensure that they are able to be trans-
badly damaged container accident caused by altered hazardous goods label
ported and handled, before a final inspection by the relevant rail transport com-
inadequate securing of load
pany prior to departure by rail. Any potential transport hitches can be detected
as soon as the loading unit is delivered. Ideally, the problem can be sorted out
on the spot, thus avoiding a refusal to transport the loading unit by rail.

Examples of common defects or damage leading to a refusal to transport are:

Missing or invalid identification code or hazardous goods marking.

Load shift, caused by missing plug-in panels and inadequate securing
of freight.
damaged longitudinal recess damaged swap body load spillage
Damage to customs labels or missing customs seals.
Open or inadequately secured doors and tarpaulins.
Serious damage to longitudinal recesses or container corners.

Please note that the relevant railway transport operator reserves the right
to a final inspection of, and decision on, the suitability for dispatch of the
loading unit.

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TERMINAL-CHECK-IN

TERMINAL-CHECK-IN PROCEDURE

On delivery to the terminal and prior to transport being handled by the agency,
the loading unit is subject to an initial inspection by check-in staff. The findings
are then documented in a check-in log. In total, three copies are produced, one
each for the delivering transport company, the Kombiverkehr agency and the
terminal operator. The check-in staff, the lorry driver from the transport com-
pany and Kombiverkehr agency employees all acknowledge receipt of the log.

The check-in log is used to document, among other things, existing damage,
specific features of the loading unit, such as the presence of customs seals or
any hazardous goods or waste contained therein, and general suitability for
dispatch. On receiving authorisation for transport from check-in personnel, the
lorry driver hands over a copy to Kombiverkehr agency staff, who issue the dis-
patch order. Should the delivered loading unit not be authorised for dispatch,
the check-in log must still be submitted. The subsequent course of action is to
be agreed between Kombiverkehr agency staff and the delivering transport
company. At best, it may still be feasible either for the lorry driver himself or
for a service provider to take specific corrective measures to make the loading
unit suitable for dispatch in the short term.

check-in log for loading units check-in log for loading units
with hazardous goods without hazardous goods

P L E A S E N OT E

Be sure to deal with any obvious defects or damage to your loading

unit prior to delivery to the terminal, in order to avoid any hold-ups or
unnecessary laidup time at the terminal.

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TRANSPORT GUIDELINES FOR
COMBINED TRANSPORT

G E B E R A L N OT E S F O R A L L L OA D I N G U N I T S The longitudinal recesses on a loading unit handled by prehensile tongs

The loading unit must display a valid identification code in compliance with
ISO or UIC norms, which means it is officially approved for rail transport.
When transporting hazardous goods or waste a complete and correct set
of labels must be affixed to the loading unit.
Loading units liable for duty must be accompanied by the appropriate
customs documentation and labels. Customs labels and seals must not be
damaged.
must be in excellent condition. A marker stripe, in yellow or any contrasting
colour and approx. 100 mm wide, is required above each longitudinal recess
for crane loading operations. Any tarpaulin protectors placed above the
longitudinal recesses must not project beyond the stop face of the latter,
and must not be twisted or loose.
Care must be taken to ensure that the document box or compartment
provided for accompanying documentation is present on the loading unit
and is undamaged.

The freight must be loaded and secured in accordance with existing guide-
lines for combined transport (see also BGL/BGF practical manual “Loading
and Securing”, volume 2, load securing for combined load transport road /
rail). Special loading rules apply and must be adhered to when transporting
steel coils.

All doors, end walls and side panels of the loading unit must be closed
and secured.
undamaged seal open side tarpaulin
All hinges on doors and tailgates must be in excellent condition.

There must be no significant dents or tears in the side walls of a loading unit.

longitudinal recess with correct marking document box

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 T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R C O M B I N E D T R A N S P O RT

T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R L OA D I N G U N I T S
W I T H TA R PAU L I N S U P E R S T RU C T U R E

The cargo must not rest against the tarpaulin.

code number plate for swap body code number plate for semi-trailer
Tarpaulins must be in a roadworthy condition. Small holes or rips of up to
3 cm in diameter or length are permissible, whilst larger damage must be
bonded or welded.

The flexible straps must be pulled through all the eyelets in the tarpaulin.
code number plate for mega trailer If any eyelets are missing, the flexible strap must be secured with wire or
plastic strips.

Tarpaulin eyelets must be in excellent condition.

I D E N T I F I C AT I O N P L AT E F O R S E M I - T R A I L E R S A N D S WA P B O D I E S
The distance between tarpaulin eyelets must be 200 mm maximum, and
All loading units using combined transport must display valid CT identificati- 300 mm maximum around stanchions and door locks.
on. Not only does the yellow number plate for semi-trailers serve to denote
official approval, it also facilitates the correct classification of loading unit
Zigzag fastening to secure tarpaulins is not allowed. Exception to the rule:
and wagon during terminal operations. Its composition can vary according
TIR cable is also pulled through the tarpaulin eyelets (no hooks).
to the type of loading unit.

You can find detailed information on the marking of loading units on our The external roof bows must not be bent (tarpaulin sags). A loading unit
website under: with fewer than three horizontal insert boards (lengthwise and rearwise)
between the stanchions is not allowed. The stanchions must not be
www.kombiverkehr.de > Wissen > Technik > Ladeeinheiten > Kodifizierung inserted at an angle.

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T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R C O M B I N E D T R A N S P O RT

The TIR cable (securing rope) must be pulled through the tarpaulin eyelets.
A maximum of three missing, but not adjoining, tarpaulin eyelets is per-
missible for horizontal tarpaulin securing. The same applies to badly twisted
and worn tarpaulin eyelet reinforcement rings.

Tarpaulin superstructures with rubber tie-downs are only allowed if TIR bonded damage knotted end of securing rope zigzag fastening

cable is also pulled through the tarpaulin eyelets (no hooks).

The use of tie-downs to fasten cargo to tailgates or roof bows is

not permitted.

If all the tarpaulin eyelets at the rear of the loading unit are being used to
secure the tarpaulin, the ends of the securing rope may be tied in the form cargo in the tarpaulin rip in the tarpaulin inadequately secured tarpaulin
of a square knot. No knots are allowed in any other part of the securing
rope. A missing or overlooked tarpaulin eyelet is acceptable.

The following securing ropes are permitted:

Hemp or sisal ropes, at least 8 mm in diameter, with clear plastic coating

Steel wire ropes at least 3 mm in diameter
rubber tie-down unacceptable securing of tarpaulin ripped tarpaulin and damaged
Steel wire ropes with clear plastic coating
with TIR cable tarpaulin eyelets

bent roof bow missing tarpaulin securing, but correctly inserted

flexible strap

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 T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R C O M B I N E D T R A N S P O RT

S P E C I A L N OT E S F O R TA R PAU L I N S U P E R S T RU C T U R E S
I N C U RTA I N S I D E R D E S I G N
On loading units with tarpaulin superstructures in curtainsider design the
sliding tarpaulins must be closed and the draw-in tube locked into the
corresponding fixture.
The tension belts must be locked and secured. A damaged, but secured
tension belt on either side is acceptable on a temporary basis, but it must
not be directly next to the lock bar. The securing device must be attached
to the unit, running parallel to the corner bar, and must not be twisted.
It is not permitted to fix the tension belts over the longitudinal recess.
When securing the tarpaulin on a curtainsider, it is not necessary to draw an
additional securing rope through the tarpaulin eyelets of the tension belts.
Swap bodies with curtainsider tarpaulins may be used for transport up to
a maximum of 140 km/h, if marked with an additional “Code XL” plate.
T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R S E M I - T R A I L E R S
Semi-trailers must be provided with a valid UIC identification code,
a TÜV logo and a valid registered licence plate.
Semi-trailers must be in a roadworthy condition (wheels, longitudinal
recesses, support legs, spare wheel, tail lights, etc).
The crank for raising the support legs must be located and fixed on the
semi-trailer.
Semi-trailers require a retractable side and rear underride guard.
Ensure that the locking mechanism is fully functional.
During handling and rail transportation, semi-trailers with pneumatic shock
absorption systems must be lowered and have the air removed.

semi-trailer with tarpaulin superstructure open sliding tarpaulin identification plate and loose support leg crank bent side underride guard additional plate for semi- upward retracted rear
in curtainsider design additional “Code XL” plate trailers with pneumatic underride guard
shock absorption

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T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R C O M B I N E D T R A N S P O RT
T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R S WA P B O D I E S
The pendulum axle for swap bodies must be fully functional and fixed in a
secure position.
If support legs have not been properly secured for transportation, they must
be tied in the correct manner.
The support legs of swap bodies must be in an excellent condition.
swap body with secured support legs
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T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R C O N TA I N E R S
Containers must display a valid ISO identification code and be
provided with a valid CSC label with the due date of the next
reinspection or with proof of registration in the ACEP safety
approval programme. It is essential that registration with ACEP
be recorded on the CSC label.
The top and bottom fittings must be in a fully functional
condition.
CSC-Plakette mit der
Teilnahme am ACEP
C O N TA I N E R D E S I G N A N D I N S P E C T I O N S P E C I F I C AT I O N S
CSC: The technical requirements for containers are laid down in the stan-
dards of the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC). It is
important that the container is marked with an appropriate label and
that the most recent reinspection date is not older than 24 months.
However, the time period between the date of manufacture of the
container and its first reinspection may be up to 5 years. If the contai-
ner is subject to ACEP, then the inspection date indicated on the label
is irrelevant in respect of the transportation permit.
ACEP: If the container is subject to the Approved Continuous Examination
Program (ACEP), this means that owner of the container takes respon-
sibility for the necessary checks, maintenance and repairs. The contai-
ner displays an ACEP registration label. A reinspection date is not
required on the CSC label.
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 T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R C O M B I N E D T R A N S P O RT

S P E C I A L N OT E S F O R TA N K C O N TA I N E R S

The armatures on tank containers must be closed. Any attachments, such as fill nozzles, must not overshoot corners.

The blind flange on tank containers must be attached. A UIC identification code (yellow plate) is compulsory for those tank
containers that are neither overseas containers nor registered in
The protection cap for armatures must be in locked position. compliance with ISO norms.

The dome covers and any covering caps must be locked. It is compulsory for tank containers to be labelled with the maximum
permitted height.

blind flange not attached locked dome cover protection cap for armatures not closed tank container with UIC identification code

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T R A N S P O RT G U I D E L I N E S F O R C O M B I N E D T R A N S P O RT

W H O TO C O N TA C T AT KO M B I V E R K E H R

A DV I C E O N T H E T R A N S P O RT O F H A Z A R D O U S G O O D S A N D WA S T E GENERAL ENQUIRIES ABOUT TERMINAL-CHECK-IN

If hazardous goods are being transported in containers, swap bodies or OPERATION SERVICES

semi-trailers, the relevant unit must be marked with hazard labels (placards) TERMINALS, PROCESS ORGANISATION

and/or orange warning signs. The hazard labels must be affixed to the area Daniel Jähn
provided for this purpose. You will find detailed information on this subject Phone +49 69/7 95 05-3 17
on our website at www.kombiverkehr.de > Customer information > Telefax + 49 69/7 95 05-3 09
Hazardous goods & waste > Marking of loading units E-mail djaehn@kombiverkehr.de

The hazard labels and warning signs must be in excellent condition and TECHNICAL ENQUIRIES ABOUT TERMINAL-CHECK-IN
must not be damaged or changed.
TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Peter Rheindorf
When a loading unit of waste is delivered, the waste labels must be retained
Maximilianstraße 28B
until crane unloading operations.
D-53111 Bonn
Phone +49 2 28/65 19-24 oder -25
Fax +49 2 28/69 15 83
E-mail kombiverkehr-bonn@t-online.de

E N Q U I R I E S A B O U T T R A N S P O RT O F H A Z A R D O U S G O O D S A N D WA S T E

OPERATION SERVICES
HAZARDOUS GOODS / WASTE TRANSPORT
Ullrich Lück
Köhlfleetdamm 5
D-21129 Hamburg
semi-trailer correctly marked for 4-chamber tank container correctly
Phone +49 40/30 70 59 60
waste and hazardous goods during marked for hazardous goods
sea transport Fax +49 40/30 70 59 69
E-mail ulueck@kombiverkehr-gefahrgut.de

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