Build a brief that connects the movement.

List the goods, number of items or units and packaging. For individual pieces, provide length, width, height and weight for each item, plus total weight. State the units and whether figures are measured or estimated. For a container, include size, type, loaded or empty status and available mass information.

Flag fragility, stackability, unusual shape, off-centre weight, temperature conditions or regulated status. Accurate cargo and mass information supports equipment and packing decisions; the CTU Code sets out the relevant responsibilities across the transport chain.

Provide exact locations and separate contacts for collection and receiving. Include site opening hours, vehicle access, loading space and any appointment or handover requirement.

Identify ports, depots and borders involved. For cross-border enquiries, include origin, destination and any proposed transit countries if known. Operator permissions, customs procedures and cargo controls are checked against the actual route; C-BRTA and SARS transit guidance explain the South African framework.

Identify who loads and unloads, equipment available at each end, lifting or handling instructions, and any site constraint. Explain how goods are packaged and whether a proposed consolidation or delivery sequence affects access to the load.

Load distribution, securing and unit suitability need to suit the goods and transport conditions. The CTU Code provides technical guidance; it does not replace the applicable road or cargo regulations. Flag oversized or unusually heavy pieces early. Western Cape guidance explains that abnormal-load permits depend on load or vehicle size and nature.

State when cargo can be collected, when delivery is required and which appointments or handovers are fixed. Identify any release, inspection, document or preparation task still outstanding and the contact responsible for it.

For terminal, depot or shipping-line deadlines, include the latest instruction and its source. If timing is provisional, say so. Explain the customer's delivery requirement without assuming a transit time from distance or a country name.

Tell us the cargo's customs status and who provides the relevant declaration, release, permit or other record. For imports, SARS describes checks against supporting documents such as invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin and permits; the actual documents depend on the goods. See SARS imports, exports and goods declarations.

For bonded or transit cargo, identify the licensed-remover role, accompanying movement documents and the party responsible for completion or export evidence. See SARS remover guidance and transit guidance.

For a packed container exported by sea on a ship to which SOLAS applies, identify who obtains and supplies VGM and the relevant cut-off. See IMO VGM guidance.

6. Add the cargo-specific information.

Reefer. Written conditions, controller set point, commodity, loading condition, container and equipment information, and the required power, monitoring and handover responsibilities. Use the Reefer containers guide. CTU Code and primary reefer guidance explain the general considerations.

Dangerous goods. Supplier-confirmed transport classification, UN number, proper shipping name, class or division, subsidiary risk and packing group where assigned; packaging, quantities and safety and emergency information. Use the Dangerous goods guide. See CTU Code chapter 10 and Department of Transport guidance.

Bonded or cross-border. Current cargo procedure, importer/exporter and agent contacts, licensed carriage role where required, document readiness and completion evidence. Use the Bonded cargo and Coverage guides. See SARS and C-BRTA.