The use of the CTU Code to increase freight transport safety and business competitiveness: An empirical analysis of a sample of Italian companies

The CTU Code (Code of practice for packing of cargo transport units) is the reference manual for all aspects of loading and securing cargo in intermodal transportation units. The purpose of the Code is to increase the safety of cargo loading throughout the transport chain and provide a benchmark for process standardization, with the final aim of increasing the safety and security of workers, goods, cargo units, means of transport and environment. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate, through an empirical survey of a sample of 26 Italian companies, how the application of the CTU Code to cargo loading and transportation processes can increase the safety level of transport activities, and also improve business processes and competitiveness. The results show that the use of the CTU Code provides an increase in safety with a drastic reduction of loading accidents and damage to goods, as well as important benefits in terms of costs, improved efficiency, corporate image and reduced environmental impact.