REVISED NOTICE TO THE TRADE
08/03/05
CONTAINER LOADING PROTOCOL
This notice is to advise ocean carriers that a pilot container loading protocol will be implemented for containerized bagged beans (unless otherwise directed) and bagged whole corn for use under the foreign food assistance programs P.L 480 Titles II and III. Foreign food assistance programs administered by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service will be included on an ad hoc basis if stipulated in the applicable freight and commodity invitation for bids. The pilot will be implemented over a one year period and commence January 1, 2005 for the countries of:
| Latin America | East Africa | West &
Southern Africa |
|---|
Guatemala
Nicaragua
Haiti
Honduras |
Rwanda
Burundi
Uganda |
Liberia
Angola
|
LOADING PROTOCOL
The primary intent of the container loading protocol is to ensure protection of the aforementioned commodities from condensation induced losses and to maintain the integrity of U.S. foreign food assistance programs. Under the protocol, sourceloading or transloading of the commodities will be limited to 20 foot containers. Further, a new sea container packaging configuration will be tested to determine its effectiveness. Steamship lines will:
- Line container walls and floor with cardboard corrugated sheeting, and place sheeting on the top tier of bags.
- Apply calcium chloride (CaCl2) based desiccant to interior container walls or on the corrugated sheeting, based upon the length of time in transit in containers. CaCl2 based desiccant should be placed horizontally along interior container walls or laid on the top tier of the corrugated sheeting and maintain a minimum of 8 inches of headspace for optimal effectiveness. Vents of container should be closed or taped closed. Estimated materials:
45 - 60 days: 36 bags of CaCl2 based desiccant.
60 - 90 days: 72 bags of CaCl2 based desiccant.
90 - 120 days: 108 bags of CaCl2 based desiccant.
- In select shipments place temperature and humidity monitors into the containers in order to measure moisture levels and performance of the desiccant during the pilot.
- Refer to Protocol for Applying Desiccant and Fiberboard Sheeting during loading.
FUMIGATION
The EPA has indicated that two fumigants can be employed during fumigation: Phostoxin and Actellic. The fumigant Phostoxin or aluminum phosphide reacts very vigorously with liquid water and may form an explosive gas. While the desiccant packaging should maintain a separation between any liquid/gel absorbed and the fumigant, it is recognized that accidentally torn desiccant bags may release liquid/gel and pose a potential hazard. As a result, it is suggested that fumigation of commodities with Phostoxin be performed on a warehouse floor under tarp.
COORDINATION
The Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) calling forward the commodities will estimate the length of time required to clear commodities through customs in-country. The steamship line will take this estimate into consideration in determining the amount of desiccant to use, from the time of container stuffing to destuffing.
Steamship lines will allow USDA to access the containers at loading to perform quality inspections to ensure the loading protocol is properly implemented. Steamship lines will also allow the PVO or its agent at discharge to collect desiccant to monitor the performance of the loading protocol.
Disposal of the used desiccant at discharge will be according to the local laws governing disposal of calcium chloride based desiccant products.
The new loading protocol for these commodities will be evaluated for effectiveness in controlling condensation induced losses at the end of one year.
For further information, contact Mark Rowse, Operations Division, USDA, telephone (202) 720-0624, or Denise Scherl, Transportation Division, AID, telephone (202)712-0101.
Back to Top ^
|
