Basis for all activities of our members: The 360 Quality Code
The members of the 360 Quality Association have developed the 360 Quality Code for handling of reefer cargoes in specialised reefer ships and ports. The aim of the Code is to prevent damage to cargo and to control food safety hazards during the period the cargo is in the custody of the shipping line and the terminal.
The Code lays down requirements for ships, terminals and trades to be followed in order to achieve this goal. The requirements are not only directed towards the equipment but also lay down procedures, which must be followed when handling the cargo in the ship and terminals. This ensures, that damage caused to any unit of cargo shipped on a specialised reefer ship can be accounted for at any point in the supply chain. Both ships and terminals are inspected by approved organisations every two years to ensure compliance with the requirements in the Code. Success during the inspections results in a 360 Quality Certificate being awarded to the ship or terminal. A unique clause in the Code allows a user of a 360 certified ship or terminal being reported for non compliance of the 360 Quality Code. Appropriate action is then taken by the 360 Quality Association and may result in the withdrawal of the certificate.
The Code formalises the cooperation between the shipping lines and their service providers. It creates an industry standard that is fully endorsed by all the participating companies, i.e. the shipping lines and their service providers, such as terminals and stevedores.
The handling procedures of the Code bring transparency and accountability into all elements covered by the scope. Potential problem areas are exposed by performance measurement and analysis. These potential problem areas can then be effectively corrected by giving feedback. A uniform way of working in ships and terminals ensures, that the skills developed in the handling of reefer cargoes are shared by the members of the 360 Quality Association. Technical cooperation is promoted between the members by the 360 Quality Association.
The feedback resulting from the proper implementation of the Code does not only provide a measure of the performance of the participants involved directly in the handling of cargo in ships and terminals. Its regular feedback even provides valuable information to others who form the remaining links in the supply chain. Their effort is essential for bringing about changes. Such changes are often least costly for the industry when introduced at an early stage in the supply chain and fits very well with the least cost distribution strategies of shippers and receivers.
You can download the complete 360 Quality Code here:
(updated September 2012)