A software application is being created to provide Philippine truckers and foreign shipping lines a systematic procedure that will help address the problem of where to bring empty containers.
The Internet-based app will enable truckers and carriers to determine in real time which container depots have space for empty containers, and allow them to book the depots online.
The system is being developed by an IT company specializing in trade, transport and logistics solutions.
According to Atty Maximino Cruz, general manager of the Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL), the idea of creating a software application for the return of empty containers came from the truckers, particularly Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines director Alberto Suansing.
“We realized this is also a very good idea of addressing the problem, so we are all out for it. We support it 100%,” Cruz told PortCalls in an interview.
He said the project will save truckers time and fuel, prevent human intervention, and promote cost efficiency, while also being beneficial to foreign liners.
Containers are the backbone of the container shipping industry and are part of a vessel’s equipment, Cruz pointed out. With a systematic procedure in place, he said truckers and shipping lines at a loss where to put returning empties “will know, with precision, where to bring the empty containers, unlike now na nangangapa sila (they’re just guessing).”
Container depots where shipping lines’ empty containers should be returned are usually indicated on the equipment interchange receipt (EIR) given to truckers. However, with the current port congestion, there is no assurance the depot indicated on the EIR will have space for the empty boxes. When there is no space is available, truckers would just scramble for another empty depot.
This very issue was also tackled in previous meetings between AISL, customs brokers and truckers.
The soft launch and pilot run of the project is targeted for November 3, according to Cruz, adding that the first phase will be done at on-dock container depots.
“If this is successful, we could cover other areas,” he added, referring to off-dock depots.
However, Cruz noted that the effects of the app won’t be fully felt for as long as the port congestion persists. Its overall benefits will only be seen when the situation at the ports normalizes.
Details of the project are still being fine-tuned. In a meeting on September 12, a group composed of truckers, port operators, members of the Container Depot Association of the Philippines, and representatives from the app developer discussed requirements for rolling out the program.
These include capacity and inventory of container depots at any given time, allocation of space for each shipping line, and a database of truckers.
Asked who will pay for the software application, Cruz said AISL is “willing to shell out” since the project “is also for the good of the industry.”
Since this is one way to improve the system, everybody must do their part, he said. “As far as AISL is concerned, we are willing to do our share.” – Roumina Pablo
Image courtesy of franky242 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
It will be good if it will be implemented soon. It will save time, effort and money for the truckers. It might serve as a proof of no location for empty for shipping lines not to charge detention. This would really be useful.
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