PROCEDURES
ESCO always aims for the "win-win" solution in its collaborations with carriers, government agencies and shippers and applies international standard procedures in all container services. Mindful of customers' ever-growing expectations, the company is continually improving its operational efficiencies with the strategic application of technology and process enhancement. With procedures that are always in strict adherence to Thai law and global best practices, safety and predictable outcomes are assured.
BERTH ALLOCATION
The shipping line or agent is to email the vessel's particulars, service lane, and vessel definition (general stowage plan, lashing arrangement plan, reefer arrangement plan, hatch securing, and container capacity table) to the ESCO Planner at least 1 week prior to calling. Vessels defined with CASP (Computer Automated Stowage Planning) are acceptable.
The shipping line or agent is to submit the long-term calling rotations 1 month prior to calling to the ESCO Planner in order to make a long-term vessel plan for container booking.
7, 3 and 1 day(s) prior to arrival, the shipping line or agent is to update both the ETA (Estimate Time of Arrival) and the estimated volume of discharging/loading in order to allow the ESCO Planner to confirm the POB and ETD (Estimate Time of Departure)
HOURS OF OPERATION
- General containers by truck: 24 hrs before ATB (Actual Time of Berth)
- Reefers (fruit): 1 hr before ATB
- Reefers (other): 12 hrs before ATB
- DG : Direct from ship/chassis onto chassis/ship
Hours of Operation for CFS (Container Freight Station)
Working days: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00 hrs. Requests for overtime operation must be made before 16:00 hrs on a working day.
Closing time for CFS cargo at LCB Port: 30 hours before vessel berthing time.
Closing time for CFS cargo at LKB ICD: 6 hours before CY cutoff time.
CFS/LCL CARGO
ESCO can handle the following CFS/LCL cargo:
- Cargo packed in cases or on pallets weighing not more than 4.5 tonnes that can be moved by forklift.
- In cases where special equipment is required, a service charge will be collected based on the nature of the operation.
- CFS/LCL is accepted only for consolidated containers.
ESCO cannot handle the following CFS/LCL cargo:
- Cargo that can cause pollution in the terminal and warehouse areas such as loose powder, smelted chemicals, etc.
- Highly valuable and heavy cargo such as passenger cars, vans, pickup trucks, machinery, etc.
- Cargo weighing less than 4.5 tonnes but not packed in a case or on a pallet such as steel pipe.
- Cargo that is prohibited by authorities such as DG (Dangerous Goods).
- Heavy equipment, cargo of unbalanced weight, and any other special cargo that cannot be moved by forklift, and/or requires special equipment.
- ESCO reserves the right to refuse the provision of equipment and labor for any specific cargo. In such cases, the cargo owner will supply its own equipment and labor.
Enforcement of Wood Packaging Material Regulations at Final Destination Countries.
- If fumigated wood is required by wood packaging materials regulation, shipping lines are required to inform ESCO at the time of booking.
LIABILITY
- In the event that cargo is damaged during unstuffing by ESCO, including during lifting onto the truck, and the damage has clearly been caused by ESCO, ESCO shall be liable to the cargo owner or consignee in an amount not exceeding 50,000 baht per cargo and/or 500,000 baht per container.
- If cargo is damaged and/or lost before being in the custody of ESCO, then ESCO shall not be liable in any case.
- Once ESCO has delivered cargo in full and satisfactory condition, ESCO shall not be liable for any damages detected after the delivery.
- Any person who signs a delivery form on behalf of the customer is deemed to be the receiver and acting on behalf of the customer. ESCO shall not be liable for loss or damage occurring after delivery to the receiver.
Terminal Regulations for Vessel Operations
- The Master/Chief Officer is responsible for checking and co-inspecting ESCO terminal property to assure that no damage occurs from collision upon berthing the vessel and throughout the stay at the port
- A gangway with proper handrail and a save-all net is provided immediately upon arrival of a vessel at the terminal.
- The Master/Chief Officer is responsible for expediting the crew services of shifting/ positioning the ship derricks whenever necessary to facilitate terminal operations without obstruction. To avoid any collisions with ESCO's quay cranes and ship derricks, vessels are requested to obtain clearance from ESCO personnel before any shifting/positioning is done.
- The Master/Chief Officer is responsible for providing proper and sufficient lashing equipment if required by ESCO personnel, and progressive inspections should be made by the vessel's Master/Chief Officer to ensure proper lashing. Any dissatisfaction with lashing should be brought to the immediate attention of ESCO supervisors. Any costs incurred from delay or amendments to the vessel's sailing time due to last-minute lashing inspections will be charged to the Agent.
- The Master/Chief Officer is responsible for maintaining the vessel's stability, including the tightening of mooring ropes when necessary throughout the port stay.
- Ship crews and companions are requested to contact ESCO security before entering the terminal.
- No excessive smoke is to be emitted from the ship's funnel.
- No oil spillage is permitted into the sea or anywhere in the vicinity of the working area.
- No painting whatsoever is permitted in the wharf area.
Terminal Regulations for Safety & Security
- Visitors are prohibited from entering the port area without the permission of authorized ESCO personnel.
- Visitors are required to contact the ESCO Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) office to obtain clothing that will ensure visibility.
- Visitors are required to comply with all PROHIBITED, MANDATORY and WARNING signs, and wear a safety helmet at all times.
- Visitors who enter the port area via the apron site and/or onboard a vessel are required to use the pedestrian walkways along the terminal fence and not take short-cuts through the container yard.
- Photography and video recording within the port area are prohibited without the permission of authorized ESCO personnel.
- The speed of all vehicles in the container area is not to exceed 20 km/hr.
- All vehicle drivers inside the port area are to comply with traffic and safety rules and are not to leave the vehicles without permission.
- Vehicles are not to be parked on equipment travel routes and operations areas.
- It is the responsibility of everyone to provide ESCO personnel with any information that may affect port security or be of significance to the port facility and shipping security as specified in the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code.
- Violation of regulations will lead to the termination of the vessel's access pass.
Visitors' Building Access
Temporary Visits
Visitors who need to enter the terminal administration or workshop buildings are to contact the Security Office located in front of the terminal administration gate to receive an ID Card in exchange for their Visitor Card.
Permanent Visits
Agents who require an ESCO Access Control Card to enter the administration building are to submit an Application Form to the HR Department.
Access to the Terminal Area and Vessel
Personnel (with the exception of agents) who need to enter the terminal area or board a vessel are to provide the EHSS Office with a completed Request Form signed by the agent to receive permission to enter ESCO's operational area.
Working in the Terminal Area
Personnel who need to work in the terminal area are to provide the EHSS Office with the completed ESCO Work Permit Form.
Ship Crews Entering the Terminal
Ship crews that require access to the port area are to contact the security personnel at wharfside to register and exchange their Crew Cards.
Car Stickers for Agents
Agents who require a car sticker to enter the administration building are to provide the EHSS Office with a completed Application for Car Sticker, a copy of their driver's license and a copy of the car registration.
DOCUMENTATION
Ship Planning Procedures
Inbound Ship Planning
Not later than 12 hours prior to ETA the shipping line or agent is to submit the EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) (Baplie)/CASP and Special Cargo lists to the ESCO Planner. Shipping lines are to submit the Manifest, Inward Container, DG and Special Cargo lists to ESCO's Documentation Office.
Outbound Ship Planning
- Not later than 12 hours prior to ETA the shipping line or agent is to submit the Booking Forecast, Pre-loading Plan and Special Stowage Instructions to the ESCO Planner.
- Not later than 12 hours prior to ETA, the shipping line or agent is to submit the Final Loading List and Final Loading Summary to the ESCO Planner, in addition to the Final Loading Plan (if any).
- Soon after the CY (Container Yard) cutoff time, the shipping line or agent is to confirm the Shut-Out Containers list with the ESCO Planner. Cut-off time is based on PAT regulations.
- In cases of full terminal booking, the shipping line or agent is to submit to the ESCO Planner a waiting list of containers to avoid delays on shut-out decisions.
BOOKING AND PROCEDURE
Ship Planning Procedures
Inbound Ship Planning
Not later than 12 hours prior to ETA, the shipping line or agent is to submit the EDI (Baplie) / CASP and Special Cargo lists to the ESCO Planner. Shipping lines are to submit the Manifest, Inward Container, DG and Special Cargo lists to ESCO's Documentation Office.
Outbound Ship Planning
- Not later than 12 hours prior to ETA, the shipping line or agent is to submit the Booking Forecast, Pre-loading Plan and Special Stowage Instructions to the ESCO Planner.
- Not later than 12 hours prior to ETA, the shipping line or agent is to submit the Final Loading List and Final Loading Summary to the ESCO Planner, in addition to the Final Loading Plan (if any).
- Soon after the CY cutoff time, the shipping line or agent is to confirm the Shut-Out Containers list with the ESCO Planner. Cut-off time is based on PAT (Port Authority of Thailand) regulations.
- In cases of full terminal booking, the shipping line or agent is to submit a waiting list of containers to avoid delays on shut-out decisions.
BILLING
- Cash customers are to pay container/cargo tariffs at the Cashier's Counter before bringing in or picking up containers or cargo.
- Credit customers will receive an invoice approximately 7 days after completed service.