Information for Transport Operators

Companies that transport shipping containers from export businesses to ports are eligible to become SES transport partners. This means Customs assesses your security practices and recognises you as being part of a secure supply chain.

Companies that transport air freight as a Regulated Air Cargo Agent (RACA) don’t need to apply to become SES partners unless they also transport shipping containers.

Becoming a Transport Partner

If you are a business that transports shipping containers on behalf of exporters, you can apply to become a SES transport partner. You don’t need to be working with an existing SES partner to join the scheme.

Export businesses may also nominate you to become their SES transport partner when completing their application to join the scheme. If a business that you transport shipping containers for decides to join SES, you'll need to apply to become a SES transport partner to continue transporting their export goods.

Applications to become an SES transport partner can be submitted through the Business Connect website. You will need to register for a RealMe account or use your existing RealMe to apply.

Once your application is submitted, our team will be in touch to arrange a visit to your site/s and to talk about the next steps.

You can apply to have the sites your company owns approved for overnight storage of containers in the same application.

Key responsibilities

At pickup:

• Ensure that the container you are transporting matches the paperwork you have, and all numbers and markings are present and accurately recorded.
• Check the seal on the container has been securely attached and provide confirmation to the load site that you have completed this check.
• Container inspection – you may have agreed to do container checks (PDF 805 KB) on behalf of a partner, to ensure the container is not damaged and shows no indication of tampering.

On your journey:

• Visually check the container seal each time you stop.
• If you handover the container to another driver, check the seal and note who you handed over to and when.
• If you are required to stop and store the container overnight or for an extended period, it must be at an SES approved storage site. Follow agreed reporting procedures if any issues arise.

Delivering the container to the port:

• Check the container seal
• Note the time/date of the delivery
• Get signature/electronic confirmation from the person receiving the container

If you store containers overnight (also known as hubbing):

• Follow the security processes agreed to in your security plan
• Visually check container seals have not been tampered with. At a minimum, this should be done daily.