How can carriers and ports collaborate to improve container availability and repositioning?

1 Share data and forecasts

One of the key factors that contribute to the container shortage and imbalance is the lack of visibility and coordination between carriers and ports. Carriers often face uncertainty about the demand and supply of containers at different locations, while ports struggle to manage their capacity and congestion. By sharing data and forecasts, carriers and ports can improve their planning and decision making, and optimize their container flows. For example, carriers can share their booking and inventory information with ports, and ports can share their berth and yard availability with carriers. This way, they can reduce the mismatch between container supply and demand, and avoid unnecessary repositioning or empty moves.

2 Adopt digital platforms and tools

Another way that carriers and ports can collaborate to improve container availability and repositioning is by adopting digital platforms and tools that enable them to exchange information and services more efficiently and transparently. Digital platforms and tools can help carriers and ports to communicate, track, and monitor their container movements, and access various services such as booking, storage, repair, or leasing. For example, some digital platforms allow carriers and ports to match their container needs and offers, and facilitate the transactions between them. This way, they can reduce the costs and time of repositioning, and increase the utilization and availability of containers.

3 Implement circular solutions

A third way that carriers and ports can collaborate to improve container availability and repositioning is by implementing circular solutions that reduce the waste and environmental impact of container operations. Circular solutions involve reusing, recycling, or repurposing containers that are no longer needed or suitable for shipping, instead of disposing or storing them. For example, some circular solutions allow carriers and ports to convert containers into modular housing, offices, or shops, or to use them as raw materials for other products. This way, they can create new value and revenue streams from their containers, and reduce the demand and pressure on the container market.

4 Align incentives and policies

A fourth way that carriers and ports can collaborate to improve container availability and repositioning is by aligning their incentives and policies that affect their container operations. Incentives and policies can influence the behavior and choices of carriers and ports, and affect their willingness and ability to cooperate. For example, some incentives and policies can encourage carriers and ports to share their containers, or to use more efficient or sustainable modes of transport. Some examples of incentives and policies are tariffs, fees, subsidies, regulations, or standards. By aligning their incentives and policies, carriers and ports can create a more favorable and harmonious environment for collaboration, and achieve mutual benefits.

5 Foster partnerships and networks

A fifth way that carriers and ports can collaborate to improve container availability and repositioning is by fostering partnerships and networks that enhance their trust and cooperation. Partnerships and networks can help carriers and ports to build long-term and strategic relationships, and to leverage their complementary resources and capabilities. For example, some partnerships and networks allow carriers and ports to share their infrastructure, equipment, or expertise, or to jointly develop new solutions or innovations. This way, they can improve their performance and competitiveness, and create more value for their customers and stakeholders.

6 Learn from best practices and experiences

A sixth way that carriers and ports can collaborate to improve container availability and repositioning is by learning from the best practices and experiences of other players in the industry or other regions. Learning from best practices and experiences can help carriers and ports to identify and adopt the most effective and suitable strategies and methods for their own situations, and to avoid the pitfalls and mistakes of others. For example, some best practices and experiences involve using smart containers, blockchain technology, or intermodal transport. By learning from best practices and experiences, carriers and ports can enhance their knowledge and skills, and accelerate their improvement and innovation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?