The ILU-Code, comprising the Owner Key, registration number and check digit, should be arranged as shown in the adjacent illustration. The ILU-Code must be provided at least on the two side walls and on the roof, optionally also on the end faces and a second time, rotated 180 degrees, on the roof.

• The standardised ILU-Code is more suitable for IT systems, resulting in a higher quality of data all along the order processing chain. The check digit enables errors to be detected automatically as soon as the identification number is entered. This reduces sharply the cost of clarifying inputting and transmission errors.

• EN 13044 separates owner identification strictly from the marking required for railway operation. To that end the yellow code number plate was redesigned and now only contains technical information such as the profile, length class, XL code etc.. This separation makes coding ex works possible. It means that every new railway-compatible loading unit can be fitted with the yellow plate by the manufacturer even if it is initially not used directly in Combined Transport.

• The owner of a loading unit with an ILU-Code can now be determined more easily, as the ILU-Codes are published just like the BIC Codes.

• The marking of containers and semi-trailers with the standardised ILU-Code can also be used for pure road transport if necessary.

Only owners of intermodal loading units are allowed to apply for an ILU-Code Owner Key. The term “owner” includes a lessee or operator of intermodal loading units, provided such lessee or operator exercises full and exclusive control over intermodal loading units as though he was the actual owner.

Registration for an ILU-Code can be done quickly and easily online at www.ilu-code.eu.

You can obtain more information on the ILU-Code and procedures on the UIRR website at www.uirr.com and in our information sheet on „Marking of intermodal loading units in Europe".