How to reduce the repositioning of empty containers?

Shipping containers are not always loaded, and often have to be loaded empty. There are millions of sea containers moving every hour, which is an important part of the global supply chain. The repositioning of empty containers is a reality that wastes a lot of money and has led to the development of options to reduce the costs of repositioning these empty containers.  

But what is the repositioning of empty containers?

The repositioning of empty containers means moving units into the short supply area from areas that have excess shipping units.

But what are the causes of the repositioning of empty containers? 

Revenue generation

The new customer who is willing to export the goods so that the shipping boxes can arrive back at the port of origin and this is not easy to find as it sometimes takes more than two weeks, and all this hard work means a minor saving of money, whereas when the carriers put the empty box back they can generate a considerable profit.

Relying on speculation

Shippers depend on forecasts and are affected. Weather forecasts, strikes and port congestion put all shippers in a difficult situation due to the changing nature. Whether it happens or not, all of this adds up to additional costs. If you believe these forecasts, shippers tend to have the shipping units in stock and then have to deal with an empty positioning situation. 

Low visibility of costs

There is disorganisation in the management of container positioning.

While the logistics team only sees the management of the positioning of empty containers worldwide, the purchasing team manages costs at the supplier level. 

If we take all this into account, the management systems do not ask questions such as: How many shipment units have been moved and why? This is because the overall costs are managed by carriers and the causes of these are unknown.

And how do we avoid empty positioning of sea containers?

Rent or sell empty containers

By selling or renting the empty container, the shipper avoids an empty crate movement.

Taking containers on the one-way leasing service.

When One Way Lease containers are obtained, an empty placement can be avoided as there is no need to answer for the placement of the boxes after use. These containers are taken for single use only, so shippers can avoid this situation. 

In the case of flat-bed or flat-rack containers.

With platform containers, empty positioning costs can be avoided as they can be stacked on top of each other, taking up very little space. 

Using SOC containers.

When the carrier is the owner of the transport unit, he is in charge of managing all the details and controls the return of the transport unit. 

Details such as configuration, and return details are handled by them. 

This, when the boxes return, they return with the same cargo that was sent for export. 

By using some of these strategies, the shipper can avoid the costs of repositioning empty containers and save a great deal of money. No one can afford to lose money by moving empty containers.

SILVERSEA Containers maritimos helps you mitigate empty box positioning with point container solutions
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