FM 55-80
ARMY CONTAINER OPERATIONS
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
FM 55-80
FIELD MANUAL
HEADQUARTERS
No. 55-80
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Washington, DC, 13 August 1997
ARMY CONTAINER OPERATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PREFACE.......................................................................................................................... iv CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO INTERMODALISM .......................................... 1-1
1-1.
Background.................................................................................... 1-1
1-2.
Responsibilities Within the Defense Transportation System ............. 1-1
1-3.
Department of Defense ................................................................... 1-2
1-4.
Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Transportation
Policy............................................................................................. 1-2
1-5.
Secretary of the Army..................................................................... 1-2
1-6.
Supported Commander in Chiefs..................................................... 1-2
1-7.
Army Service Component Commander............................................ 1-2
1-8.
Commanders .................................................................................. 1-2
1-9.
United States Transportation Command .......................................... 1-3
1-10.
Military Traffic Management Command ......................................... 1-3
1-11.
Procurement and Leasing of Common-Use Containers..................... 1-3
1-12.
National-level Management ............................................................ 1-5
1-13.
Theater-level Management.............................................................. 1-8
1-14.
Fundamentals of Intermodalism and Intermodal Container Use ........ 1-9
1-15.
Principles of Containerization ......................................................... 1-9
1-16.
Prioritizing Intermodal Resources ................................................... 1-13
1-17.
Transportation Modes..................................................................... 1-16
CHAPTER 2. THEATER CONTAINER OPERATIONS ............................................. 2-1
2-1.
Theater Container Distribution........................................................ 2-1
2-2.
Theater Container Management Activities....................................... 2-4
2-3.
Container Management Objectives .................................................. 2-6
2-4.
OCONUS Container Management .................................................. 2-6
2-5.
Planning ......................................................................................... 2-7
2-6.
Container Control........................................................................... 2-9
2-7.
Port Operations .............................................................................. 2-10
2-8.
Container Discharge at Seaports ..................................................... 2-10
2-9.
Seaport Clearance .......................................................................... 2-10
2-10.
Container Operations at Echelons Above Corps .............................. 2-12
2-11.
Container Operations at Corps and Division.................................... 2-13
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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FM 55-80
Page
2-12.
Retrograde Use of Containers ......................................................... 2-13
2-13.
Interface With CONUS .................................................................. 2-15
2-14.
Inventories...................................................................................... 2-15
2-15.
Containers Lost, Damaged, or Destroyed ........................................ 2-15
CHAPTER 3. TECHNOLOGY....................................................................................... 3-1
3-1.
Background.................................................................................... 3-1
3-2.
DOD Transportation Policy ............................................................ 3-1
3-3.
Automated Information Systems ..................................................... 3-1
3-4.
Automatic Identification Technology............................................... 3-1
3-5.
Radio Frequency Identification ....................................................... 3-2
3-6.
Overview of RF Technology ........................................................... 3-3
CHAPTER 4. SUSTAINMENT OPERATIONS ............................................................ 4-1
4-1.
Container Consolidation Locations and Capabilities ........................ 4-1
4-2.
Forecasting Container Requirements ............................................... 4-1
4-3.
Consolidation Procedures................................................................ 4-2
4-4.
Container Booking.......................................................................... 4-2
4-5.
Automated Manifest System ........................................................... 4-3
4-6.
Cargo Excluded from DLA Consolidation and Containerization
Points............................................................................................. 4-3
CHAPTER 5. UNIT DEPLOYMENT OPERATIONS .................................................. 5-1
5-1.
Planning ......................................................................................... 5-1
5-2.
Key Players.................................................................................... 5-2
5-3.
Hazardous Cargo Certifying Official............................................... 5-3
5-4.
Deployment Training ...................................................................... 5-3
5-5.
Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise .................................... 5-4
5-6.
Strategic to Operational Movement ................................................. 5-4
5-7.
Container Requirements.................................................................. 5-6
5-8.
Container Planning Factors............................................................. 5-6
5-9.
Pre-Deployment Preparations.......................................................... 5-7
5-10.
Receiving the Container .................................................................. 5-7
5-11.
Equipment Preparation ................................................................... 5-8
5-12.
Vehicle Reduction Standards .......................................................... 5-8
5-13.
Unit Documentation........................................................................ 5-9
5-14.
Transportation Control Number...................................................... 5-10
5-15.
Cargo Identification Procedures ...................................................... 5-10
5-16.
Load Diagram and Shipment Unit Packing List ............................... 5-10
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FM 55-80
Page
CHAPTER 6. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND SENSITIVE CARGO .................... 6-1
6-1.
Preparing/Documenting Hazardous Materials ................................. 6-1
6-2.
Ammunition ................................................................................... 6-3
6-3.
Responsibilities .............................................................................. 6-3
6-4.
Containers Loading ........................................................................ 6-4
6-5.
Classified and Protected Sensitive Cargo......................................... 6-4
6-6.
Classified Cargo............................................................................. 6-4
6-7.
Sensitive Cargo .............................................................................. 6-5
CHAPTER 7.MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION...................................................... 7-1
7-1.
Responsibilities and Funding........................................................... 7-1
7-2.
User Checks ................................................................................... 7-2
7-3.
Maintenance................................................................................... 7-3
7-4.
Container Inspection Criteria .......................................................... 7-3
7-5.
Regulatory Mandates...................................................................... 7-3
7-6.
Markings and Data Plates............................................................... 7-3
APPENDIX A. FORCE STRUCTURE FOR CONTAINER HANDLING.................... A-1
APPENDIX B. CONTAINER-HANDLING EQUIPMENT ........................................... B-1
APPENDIX C. SAMPLE THEATER SOP ..................................................................... C-1
APPENDIX D. CONTAINER STUFFING OPERATIONS ........................................... D-1
APPENDIX E. CONTAINER CHARACTERISTICS AND TYPES ............................. E-1
APPENDIX F. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FORMS............................................... F-1
GLOSSARY............................................................................................................ Glossary-1
REFERENCES.................................................................................................... References-1
INDEX .........................................................................................................................Index-1
iii
FM 55-80
PREFACE
PURPOSE
This manual has been prepared by the USACASCOM as a consolidated container reference incorporating policy, doctrine, and procedures needed to conduct container operations across the range of military operations. Existing Army policies and doctrine relating to intermodal containerization date back to 1975. Publications are being revised in view of lessons learned from operations in the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, and other conflicts. The transition from a forward deployed Army to a CONUS-stationed force demands new approaches to operations.
Improving force projection depends on maximizing strategic lift, improving force closure, and updating doctrine which incorporates new ways of doing business.
Army units should consult this FM when conducting intermodal container operations. This FM does not preclude the need to consult other regulatory publications to ensure compliance with federal directives and standards when transporting commodities through the DTS.
SCOPE
This manual provides guidance for container users who ship commodities within the DOD
intermodal container system. The DOD system includes intermodal containers and container services, either DOD-owned or leased, or commercially provided. It also includes other ANSI/ISO
configured equipment held by DOD activities before, during, and after intermodal shipment in the DTS.
The Army’s environmental strategy into the 21st century defines our philosophy and commitment in protecting and preserving the environment and natural resources for present and future generations. Sound environmental practices and considerations must be integrated into all Army documents, missions, and operations. In keeping with the Army’s vision to be a national leader in environmental stewardship, commanders and leaders must ensure that all local, state, federal, and HN laws and regulations pertaining to the environment are included in the planning process and strictly followed.
The proponent of this publication is HQ TRADOC. Send comments and recommendations on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) to Commander, USACASCOM, Directorate of Combat Development for Transportation, ATTN: ATCL-T, 3901 A Avenue, Suite 240, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1809.
Unless this publication states otherwise, masculine nouns and pronouns do not refer exclusively to men.
iv
FM 55-80
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO INTERMODALISM
This chapter outlines responsibilities within the DTS for implementing containerization policy and procedures. A paragraph on container procurement is included in this chapter. This chapter includes an overview of intermodalism.
1-1.
BACKGROUND. The DOD relies on commercial sealift to move 85 percent of cargo during contingency operations. The US and world merchant fleets are dominated by large, fast containerships with supporting corporate infrastructure (for example, CHE, terminals, information systems, tractors/chassis, and experienced personnel). Experience in ODS revealed that DOD was unprepared to use effectively, containers and containerships to move UE and ammunition. This contributed, in conjunction with port saturation and lack of ITV, to the slow deployment of CS/CSS
forces and resulted in significant delays in moving Class V resupply. Also, large numbers of small, slow breakbulk vessels were used instead of containerships which resulted in significant costs in time and money.
The transition to a CONUS-based, power projection force increases the need for the Army to be able to rapidly deploy anywhere, anytime. Strategic lift must be maximized to rapidly project power to meet our force projection goals. Strategic lift is supplied by either ocean-going vessels or air transport. Both are limited resources. Having the largest requirement for strategic lift demands that the Army maximize its use of containerization. Containerization increases the types of ships available to support strategic deployment as well as increasing the cargo capacity of other available ships. It also streamlines handling requirements within the distribution system. Other added bonuses of containerization are increased protection against shipping damage and safeguards against pilferage.
1-2.
RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN THE DEFENSE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.
The trend in container operations is towards the establishment of an intermodal container-oriented distribution system. This system will meet DOD-wide transportation requirements and result in a fleet of containers designed for common-use among the Services. The information in this manual conforms to guidance contained in Joint Publication 4-01.7 (Draft) and DOD Regulation 4500.9-R-1.
The Army’s goal is to increase the use of containers to improve the use of strategic lift and improve force closure for UE and sustainment supplies. The Army’s effective use of containers improves both materiel distribution throughout the battlefield and field warehousing.
As DOD transitions from a Service-unique container system to a DOD-wide common-use container system, the Army system must have sufficient capability to meet DOD-established required delivery dates for mobilization, deployment, employment, sustainment, and redeployment.
The resulting container system must be interoperable among Service components and commercial industry. The DOD container system includes intermodal containers, infrastructure, and information systems. The CJCS, through an assigned lead agent, provides oversight on all the Services’
programs in relation to their interoperability within the DTS.
1-1
FM 55-80
1-3.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. DOD is responsible for providing overarching policy that will enable the establishment of a DOD-wide common-use container fleet. DOD Regulation 4500.9-R-1 specifies the 20- and 40-foot ANSI/ISO containers as the standard for DOD unit equipment and sustainment. The goal is to ship UE primarily in 20-foot containers and sustainment in either 20- or 40-foot containers. The 20-foot ANSI/ISO container is designated as the DOD
standard for containerized munitions shipments. Therefore, only 20-foot containers will be used in the CADS fleet. Equipment acquisitions and support systems interface with the DOD intermodal container system. In support of this, ANSI/ISO standards are incorporated into all requirements, designs, and development of military equipment and logistics support.
1-4.
ASSISTANT DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, TRANSPORTA-
TION POLICY. The ADUSD-TP, provides oversight for continued development of the DOD
intermodal container system. The ADUSD-TP maintains liaison with federal, executive, regulatory, trade, and private sector organizations relating to container issues. The ADUSD-TP reviews, at least annually, the status of programs supporting containerization within the DTS.
1-5.
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY. The Secretary of the Army ensures that organizations are adequately trained, equipped, and manned to operate, support, or interface with the DOD
container system. The Secretary of the Army procures and maintains all Army-owned containers to ANSI/ISO standards to ensure compatibility with the commercial intermodal transportation system.
He also makes optimum use of the vast capability of intermodal container resources and services furnished by the commercial transportation industry when doing so is responsive to military requirements. In conjunction with the Navy, he supports development of container offload and onward movement capability for LOTS operations.
1-6.
SUPPORTED COMMANDER IN CHIEFS. Supported CINCs determine requirements and increase their use of the DOD container system for cargo movement between origin and destination. They ensure container management is carried out within their AORs. Specifically, they provide for the receipt, movement, and return of DOD common-use and CADS containers and associated equipment entering their areas of interest.
1-7.
ARMY SERVICE COMPONENT COMMANDER. The ASCC through the TAACOM
or, when approved, the future TSC develops and implements procedures that support the container system IAW Army policy contained in AR 56-4. If approved, the TSC proposes to combine all theater CSS functions under a single command structure to provide more responsive logistics support to the commander.
The CINC’s logistician should advise the CINC on container issues and recommends delegation of implementing responsibilities to subordinate commands to facilitate container inspection requirements, accountability, maintenance, and distribution of containers throughout a theater. Subordinate units forward their inspection certifications and maintenance report on containers to the servicing MCT. For Army-owned, common-use, CADS, and DOD-owned common-use containers, the MCT forwards the inspection reports and consolidated maintenance information through command channels to MTMC for input into the container master data file.
1-8.
COMMANDERS. Commanders at every level are responsible for ensuring Army container policies are enforced. Users of the DOD intermodal container system will benefit by using the guidance in this manual by gaining access to more rapid and flexible deployment options. The 1-2
FM 55-80
shipping resources that a DOD common-use fleet of containers provides enhanced unit readiness by offering additional deployment options. Failing to follow the guidance provided in this manual as well as other DOD and Army publications results in unnecessary delays as cargo needlessly becomes frustrated and/or damaged. Commanders must also monitor the use of containers to ensure they are available for transportation purposes. Abuses are common as containers have frequently been modified for use as underground bunkers or fighting positions, tactical field shelters, field living quarters, and expedient toilets or shower facilities.
1-9.
UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND. USTRANSCOM manages the DOD common-use container systems as the DOD single manager for transportation. As such, they serve as the single manager for DOD common-use containers. They also exercise command authority over all DOD container system assets, except for Service-unique or theater-assigned assets.
Management of DOD common-use containers is exercised through the MTMC.
1-10.
MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND. As a USTRANSCOM TCC, MTMC provides operational management and control of DOD common-use containers, as required.
Also, when agreed to by USTRANSCOM and the DOD Component concerned, MTMC will provide management support for Service-unique or theater-assigned containers. Lastly, MTMC through its recently formed JTMO, acts as DOD’s sole agent to procure and/or lease containers.
As a MACOM, MTMC provides operational management and control, including maintenance and repair, of the Army-owned CADS fleet of containers. MTMC also functions as the single manager for Army-owned or leased ANSI/ISO common-use containers and tracks the location and condition of such assets. MTMC manages container assets through the CFD, an organizational element of MTMC-EA.
1-11.
PROCUREMENT AND LEASING OF COMMON-USE CONTAINERS. MTMC
acts as the Army’s agent to procure containers. MTMC established the JTMO by consolidating staff sections previously aligned separately under MTMC and MSC in August 1996. Except for CADS, the JTMO coordinates container leasing and purchasing requirements for all Services.
a.
Procurement. The information JTMO requires to process procurement requests is as follows:
(1) Detailed description/type of container or intermodal equipment needed. This includes specifications for ANSI/ISO type and size and any marking or drawing arrangements desired. If MILSPEC is used, provide detailed specification and documentation. Also, any special request, such as the ability to mount RF tags, must be included in the requirements.
(2) Quantity required (option for additional purchases).
(3) Required delivery date and location.
(4) Technical point of contact.
MTMC purchases new commercial containers and intermodal equipment used in day-to-day common-use service. The requesting activity provides the necessary information which the JTMO
uses to procure intermodal equipment at minimal cost to the government within the time required.
The time to procure equipment varies. Used equipment, depending on availability, can be procured 1-3
FM 55-80
in a matter of days. New ANSI/ISO containers can typically be procured in 60 days or less.
Nonstandard items, such as QUADCON, TRICON, or ISU can take up to six months from the time the request is received until the award is made, provided the information is complete and no changes are made to it during the procurement process. On all purchases, the JTMO will try to consolidate procurements across Services to gain the best price.
Upon receipt of the requirement, the JTMO will estimate procurement cost and request MIPR or fund cite to cover contracting action. The RFP for procurement will not be issued until funding is received.
b. Leasing. The JTMO acts as the Service’s sole agent to lease containers. The JTMO
coordinates all unit requirements on container leasing arrangements. The JTMO will lease new or used containers and intermodal equipment used in day-to-day common-use service. The requesting activity supplies specific information, through channels, to the JTMO to ensure that the equipment is leased at minimal cost to the government within the time required. However, the time to complete a leasing action depends on the requirement. A contract for equipment to be used in a national emergency or contingency can be completed in a few days if equipment is available on the commercial market. Normal leasing time from receipt of request to contract award is 15 working days. Information required typically includes:
(1) Detailed description/type of container or intermodal equipment needed. This must include size, type, and any special items required.
(2) Quantity required (option for additional leases).
(3) Number of containers for unit equipment.
(4) Number of containers required for sustainment (in 30 day increments).
(5) Term of lease (number of days equipment will be leased).
(6) Intended use of equipment. (Equipment must be used for intermodal transportation in the DTS.)
(7) Estimated dates of on-hire and intended redelivery location(s). Equipment drop-off destination. (NOTE: Equipment leased at one location and returned at another requires coordination and must be included in the contract.)
(8) Chassis support. Specify requirement and intended use. State whether chassis is still needed after intermodal containers are loaded.
(9) Reefer support. Specify requirement for additional support; for example, generator sets, spare part kits, and reefer mechanic (shore and/or shipboard) manuals.
(10) Inspection requirements for containers carrying DOD material as shown in MIL-HDBK 138B.
(11) Required delivery date at requester’s