Various sources of potential pest contamination exist throughout the global freight supply chain. Both national legislatures and multinational regulators are keen to minimise potentially devastating consequences to agriculture and the natural environment that unwanted invasive pests can deliver. All those involved in the movement of cargo internationally must heighten their awareness and tighten biosecurity measures.

Leading transport & logistics insurer, TT Club, outlines Loss Prevention guidance relating to claims around wet cargo damage

Pest contamination by the movement of shipping containers is a threat to the global supply chain

Read about the risks of transporting bulk grain in containers from bodily injury, to contamination, to damage to the container itself

TT Club calls for intrusive inspections of import and export freight to counter the risk of invasive pests

Ensuring containers are clean prior to loading is a crucial step in preventing the spread of invasive species

Packing a container at night under bright lights can attract unwanted insects that can then be transported across the globe.

Debris from the previous load may be contaminated, as can the cargo to be packed if this debris is not thoroughly cleared. To mitigate the risk, always clean inside of the unit before returning it to the supply chain and ensure the cargo to be packed is free from pests.

Mud and vegetation harbour invasive pests, so it's important to ensure containers are clean prior to use.