ECG — 2025-12-09
News from ECG
The ECG recommendation regarding information shared on transported vehicles has been updated with emission-related information. The new version of the document references to the joint ECG-Odette VIN label standard as well – this is a critical tool for sharing information both in human and machine readable formats.
Accurate and timely information sharing on vehicle dimensions and weight is essential for Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) to ensure proper stowing and loading. Additionally, LSPs benefit from knowing the power type of vehicles at the time of booking, which enhances service quality. This insight emerged from a collaborative effort between Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and LSPs and led to the publication of the Recommendation on the required information for vehicle transport in 2024.
The document has now been updated with emissions-related information, since the VDA and ECG Recommendation – Emissions Calculation and Reporting Guideline for Automotive Supply Chains has been published. This guideline provides a structured approach to collecting and reporting emissions data, ensuring reliability and consistency throughout the supply chain.
“Timely sharing of all vehicle and cargo information such as fuel type, dimensions, weight and HS code is critical for shipping lines to ensure the safety of the crew and everyone involved in cargo operations, while also maintaining high quality standards during stevedoring, stowage, and sea transport,” said Mohamed Zarzouri, Manager Sales, Marketing and Operations at Toyofuji Shipping Co. who was instrumental in launching the discussions in the working group. “Because multiple parties are involved in the process, including customs and terminal operators, having accurate data in a timely manner also makes communication clearer and more efficient across the supply chain.”
In the group, the work was coordinated by Gaëlle Fleurigeon, Leader of Quality Logistics at Renault. She highlighted that “standardizing the information communicated to our carriers is key for Renault: it saves time and makes communication between the various players in the transport chain smoother and easier to understand.”
“The 2025 version of the recommendation makes a clearer link to the human readable information, as it appears on the VIN labels. Clearly displayed information on the labels concerning dimensions and power type helps LSPs manage space more efficiently, especially on board vessels, and improve operational safety, if a vehicle has specific needs,” said Szilvi Kiss, Senior Research & Project Manager. This was also emphasized by Gaëlle Fleurigeon. “The importance of information sharing became a major topic with the diversification of the vehicle power types (Internal Combustion Engine vehicle and Battery Electric Vehicle). All actors want to ensure good quality and security conditions to handle those vehicles,” she said.
Mohamed Zarzouri emphasized the importance of the collaborative work done in ECG where all Finished Vehicle Logistics stakeholders are sitting at the same table. “Discussing these topics openly within ECG is very valuable for us, as it allows stakeholders to align and exchange best practices. A standardized manual further supports this by providing a clear reference for daily operations, reducing misunderstandings and strengthening collaboration. We therefore fully support the ECG standards, which are already accepted and trusted across the automotive industry.”
The updated recommendation on information sharing can be accessed on the ECG website.