‘Gross weight of goods’ means the tonnage of goods carried, including packaging but excluding the tare weight of containers or ro-ro units.

We urge the operators to reduce the number of empty containers transported and the Commission to promote a single harmonised transport document for all European Union containers, also simplifying customs procedures for goods that have come from or are going to destinations within the Community to the same level as for road, rail ...[+++] or air transport.

8.1.2.1: In addition to the documentation required by law, the following documents must be carried on board the transport unit: (a) the transit documents referred to in 5.4.1 and covering all the dangerous goods transported and, where applicable, the container loading certificate as stipulated in 5.4.2; (b) the written instructions as set out in 5.4.3, relating to all the dangerous goods transported; 8.1.5: Each transport unit carrying dangerous goods must be fitted with: (c) the equipment needed to permit the carrying out of the supplementary and special measures as indica ...[+++]ted in the written instructions referred to in 5.4.3.

The rail transport sector is of crucial importance to Europe in the 21st century. Given the striking increase in the volume of freight transport, it is vital to improve rail transport in terms of both quantity and quality, if we really want to protect the environment and save energy, and live in a world where roads are not totally saturated.

(b) Where dangerous goods are carried on a flight which takes place wholly or partly outside the territory of a State, the English language must be used for the dangerous goods transport document in addition to any other language requirements.

1. Goods carried under the TIR procedure in sealed road vehicles, combinations of vehicles or containers shall not as a general rule be subjected to examination at Customs offices en route.