Transport & Logistics UK-wide

Support activities for transport: ports, airports and rail

If you handle cargo or run support services at a port, airport or rail terminal — stevedoring, ground handling, terminal operations — the duties depend on the mode you support. Harbour authority duties and port security apply at ports, aviation security and economic regulation at airports, and the rail safety regime at rail terminals and stations. This guide covers the mode-support regimes, on top of the universal warehouse duties in the spine guide. Answer only the section for the mode(s) you support.

Guide summary

You must follow different rules depending on whether you run a port, airport or rail terminal. For ports, you need harbour authority duties, port security plans and a Port Facility Security Officer. For airports, you need a CAA security programme and aerodrome certification. For rail terminals, you need a safety management system under ROGS and ORR regulation.

  • Set up a safety management system for your transport support activity
  • Ports: comply with Port Marine Safety Code and ISPS Code
  • Ports: appoint a Port Facility Security Officer and have an approved plan
  • Airports: get CAA aerodrome certification for safety
  • Airports: follow the UK National Aviation Security Programme (NASP)
  • Rail terminals: get a safety certificate or authorisation from ORR
  • Rail stations: meet passenger safety and Equality Act duties
  • Check which mode applies – port, airport or rail – and follow that section
On this page

This guide is for businesses whose work supports a specific transport mode — handling cargo at a quayside, providing ground services at an airport, or operating a rail terminal. The regime depends on the mode. The universal warehouse and workplace duties are in Set up and run a safe warehousing and storage operation — start there, then work through the section for the mode(s) you support.

A. Ports and cargo handling

If you operate a port or harbour, or handle cargo at one, harbour authority duties apply — including the duties of conservancy and the Port Marine Safety Code expected of statutory harbour authorities. Ports and the ships that use them on international voyages must also meet the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code — a port facility security assessment and plan and a Port Facility Security Officer — underpinned by the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990 and implemented by the Port Security Regulations 2009. If your cargo handling is vessel-side, see Which water transport rules apply to your business for the registration and certification regimes.

B. Airports and air cargo

Airport operators are subject to aviation security requirements — a security programme overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) — and the larger airports to economic regulation. If you handle or forward air cargo, see also Air cargo compliance.

C. Rail terminals and stations

If you operate a rail terminal, freight yard or station, the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 (ROGS) require a safety management system and, depending on your role, a safety certificate or authorisation overseen by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). Station operators carry passenger-safety duties. The ORR regulates the mainline network in Great Britain; rail in Northern Ireland is administered separately. For the operating side, see Run a rail operation: licensing and safety.

D. Road haulage support

If your support activity includes moving goods by road in vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, or in vans over 2.5 tonnes for hire or reward on international journeys, you need a goods vehicle operator's licence. In Great Britain this comes from the Traffic Commissioner with the DVSA driver, tachograph and maintenance regimes; in Northern Ireland goods-vehicle operator licensing is administered separately by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). The full road regime is covered in Get an operator's licence for goods vehicles.

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    What to do next

    Confirm the universal warehouse duties in the spine guide are in place, then complete the warehousing and transport support compliance checklist for the mode(s) you support.

Official sources

Authoritative guidance for transport support operators.