Feb/March 2007

Freight containers are generally hired by their users, and after use have to be returned to a container depot.

These empty movements are not necessarily great, but can be wasteful and time-consuming - and in America the distances and time can be proportionately greater than they are in the UK.

Now a US tracking systems supplier, International Asset Systems, has come up with a solution in the form of a 'virtual container yard', which is managed by a product called InterTurn.

The system monitors the location of all containers in the network, making it possible for them to be collected directly from the place where they have been dropped off (assuming handling equipment is available) instead of having to be moved to a terminal or 'rail ramp' first.

 

Interestingly, the system doesn't rely on GPS-based tracking hardware and software, but takes a simpler approach, integrating directly with ocean carriers' own equipment management systems.

As a carrier's system updates the status of each container, the information is transferred to InterTurn and made available to approved trucking companies via the InterTurn Web site.

The first virtual container yard program has been sponsored by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach with the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority, and has been operating since July 2006. IAS is working in partnership with eModal, which is responsible for outreach to the Southern California trucking community. It is said to have been successful and popular with truckers.

IAS says that at any given time 30 to 40 per cent of intermodal American trucks are hauling empty containers. If the UK figure were even half that, there could be significant opportunities for savings.