Picture this: As a trucker, you need to return an empty container to the depot by 10am, however the only available appointment time is 2pm. Your truck has to reach the neighbouring port terminal on time to pick up another import to make the next customer delivery and a 4-hour delay is an inconvenience. In pressing situations like these, you can either send an extra truck to collect the empty container or offload the container at your trucking yard. But is there a better option at your disposal? Simple reuse or exchange would be an effective way to avoid such a problem. It is possible on MatchBox Exchange (MB), the world’s first open-market platform that allows trucking companies to reuse their empty containers or exchange them with other parties on the land-side. A reliable and secure solution, MatchBox Exchange helps trucking companies avoid the appointment system altogether as it eliminates the need to transit through empty container parks. Now, drivers can follow a schedule and reach more customers by using MB’s 24×7 Instant Approval feature to set up bookings throughout the day. Adopting the MatchBox Exchange advantage saves costs and time, improves productivity and brings more value to transport companies across markets. Moreover, fleet utilisation and operational…
The Power of Partnership: Why the world’s leading shipping lines partner with only the best
A lasting partnership begins with trust. Open communication and accessibility are equally important. But to be mutually beneficial means working together to achieve shared success. An example of one such partnership is between MatchBox Exchange and the world’s top shipping lines. MatchBox Exchange (MB) is the world’s first open market digital platform that allows transport operators, freight forwarders and shippers to reuse and exchange empty containers. A proven cloud-based SaaS platform, MatchBox Exchange delivers an end-to-end solution focusing on all aspects of customer adoption, training and support. Even its operating model is simple and effective. The team works with shipping lines on data sharing and EDI integration which it already has in place with other lines in multiple markets and languages. So why do shipping lines partner with MatchBox Exchange? (1.) MatchBox Exchange helps their shipping line partners and their customers to save on costs by removing the need for empty containers to transit through depots. (2.) Its digital solution offers 24/7 Instant Approval that saves time and improves the customer experience. (3.) Customers are more productive, enabling more triangulations and increased savings. (4.) MatchBox Exchange provides its partners with a true end-to-end solution covering all aspects of marketing, sales, training, onboarding, and customer support. A comprehensive service that ensures partners and customers maximise…
Why is supply chain sustainability important?
The importance of sustainability in the supply chain moves beyond going green. A supply chain built on a sustainable platform creates more partnership opportunities because environmental responsibility is crucial for any industry today. Practising eco-awareness in every aspect of the business not only improves its reputation but further legitimises the organisation. At MatchBox Exchange, we recognise the value of sustainability and work towards building a better future for transport companies across the globe. Here’s how MatchBox Exchange makes the supply chain more sustainable MatchBox Exchange (MB) is a prime example of sustainability at work. It is the world’s first ‘open-market’ platform for the reuse and exchange of shipping containers between landside logistics companies. The platform works by matching parties with empty containers to those who need them. In a few simple steps, MatchBox Exchange solves the existing problem in the supply chain. For a long time, containerised trucks needed to drive through container parks. Empty Container Parks cost the industry both time and money for handling and storing empty containers. But with its 24×7 Instant Approval feature, MatchBox Exchange allows truckers to bypass the depot altogether and reuse or exchange their container anytime, anywhere. Now, transport companies can: (a.) Reduce excess carbon emissions that they…
Steer clear of depot congestion this holiday season with MatchBox Exchange
Industry experts anticipate heavy congestion at depots pre-holiday season, continuing through Christmas and into early 2022. The build-up of empty container stock is expected to reach critical levels making it difficult for supply chains to run efficiently during peak periods. In addition to transport costs, tolls, penalties, and waiting time, a sudden hike in demand-surge, and booking fees could overwhelm shippers and logistic interfaces on the land-side. With empty container parks running at full capacity, a spillover is certain. This would make needless truck trips to distant depots necessary, raising operational costs and hampering productivity. Transport operators are charged a notification fee each time they return or collect an empty container. Despite drivers stuck in traffic jams for long hours, missing time slots, this fee has seen a constant increase. Quarantine combined with peak seasons leaves logistics service providers with few alternatives as they can hit targeted departure dates only when they book well in advance — roughly 4 to 6 weeks prior. They are charged a fee on demand-surge, even as carriers limit intermodal bookings. The burden of these mounting costs often falls on them as forwarders and importers believe it is their job to avoid detentions while completing…