Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection
- July 2026
Aim of inspection
The aim of this inspection is twofold:
- Gathering data from in-transit stores to enhance knowledge of class 7 transport activities operating through LHR
- Inspection of carriers delivering to/collecting from the in-transit stores
The output of the inspection will depend on the outcome of each inspection.
- If the carrier is compliant then a CR will be created and linked to this IR as information.
- If the carrier is non-compliant and the issue is minor the details will be recorded within this report.
- If the carrier is non-compliant and significant then a new IR will be created as a reactive inspection and the outcome recorded within that IR and linked to this one.
The inspection will be based around the following in-transit facilities:
- DNata
- Swissport
- DHL Global Forwarding
- Air Canada
- Circle Express
Royal Mail international hub will also be visited as it occasionally deals with items incorrectly posted to the UK from abroad.
Subject(s) of inspection
- Transport - Carrier Duties - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The inspector attended seven facilities in and around Heathrow airport and discussed their operations and interfaces with other organisations. The inspector carried out 3 unannounced inspections of carrier vehicles who were collecting from the facilities - these have been recorded as separate records.
The inspection has produced useful information relating to class 7 operations, transport routes and interfaces between carriers at Heathrow Airport which will be used for future planning.
Conclusion
The inspection achieved it's primary aim of gathering operational experience of the activities around Heathrow Airport. It was a valuable use of inspector time providing useful interfaces between ONR and the in-transit facilities around the airport.
Three vehicle inspections were carried out and have been recorded separately with some non-compliances identified.
The following recommendations are made:
- A repeat of this activity would be worthwhile on a regular basis, learning from this inspection regarding logistics and planning should be taken.
- Similar activities should be considered for other airports/ports.
- The interactions with drivers was not complex however pre-planning should consider the potential need to prohibit transport or allow under an ADR 1.8.1.4
- Inspections of United Airlines, Menzies and American Airlines should be considered as they were not included in this inspection.