Pacific International Lines (PIL), a leading Singapore-based shipping line, and MatchBox Exchange, a SaaS platform for the reuse and exchange of shipping containers between operators, have teamed up to enhance landside logistics for PIL’s customers in Thailand. This collaboration expands a similar partnership between PIL and MatchBox Exchange in Malaysia that began in 2023. PIL’s customers in Thailand now have access to the MatchBox Exchange platform to seamlessly triangulate import containers for export with instant 24/7 approval. Triangulation involves reusing import containers for exports, reducing the need to transport empty containers to and from depots. The collaboration enables PIL’s customers to improve turnaround times, reduce trucking kilometres and carbon emissions, and avoid unnecessary trips to the depot. Founded in 2017, MatchBox Exchange has partnered with 20 shipping lines and empowers more than 1,500 users across Asia. Its platform matches those who have a supply of empty containers with those who need them, to enable customers to conveniently reuse containers, or request or offer empty containers across businesses for their import or export needs. Since launching in Thailand in 2020, MatchBox Exchange has seen impressive growth, with a near 49% increase in triangulation bookings from 2022 to 2023. PIL is among…
Reviewing MatchBox Exchange’s journey in 2023 and welcoming 2024
As we step into 2024, let’s take a moment to reminisce about the journey that defined MatchBox Exchange in 2023. This article is a celebration of the remarkable milestones, both significant and subtle, that shaped our narrative over the past year. The standout event of 2023 unfolded in October with the acquisition of MatchBox Exchange by WiseTech Global. This marked a considerable leap, paving the way for opportunities for MatchBox Exchange to thrive and expand. It’s been a dynamic and bustling year that showcased the vibrancy and proactive spirit that defines our business. Here are some highlights: a) In July 2023, our team gathered in Manila for a Sales Conference. This event provided a space for reflection on the previous financial year’s activities and a fruitful brainstorming session to outline deliverables for the ongoing one. b) August 2023 saw us become members of Logizall in Thailand, leading to our participation in the TILOG-LOGISTIX event. Our Thai team actively engaged with the logistics community, fostering meaningful relationships. c) September 2023 was marked by MatchBox Kampong, a networking session hosted by our team in Singapore to express gratitude to our customers who frequently engage in container Exchanges with each other. It was…
Singapore: MatchBox Exchange community networking event
Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Keeping the spirit alive of achieving more by working together, MatchBox Exchange (MB) Singapore hosted an evening for our customers, at Fame Entertainment in Jurong on Saturday, October 8th, 2022. Close to 40 customers attended the event along with the added support from Wan Hai, a key MB Partner. The event was conducted to appreciate all users for adopting and supporting MatchBox Exchange’s platform with reuse and exchange bookings. The evening marked a celebration where customers who often carry out exchanges with one another got an opportunity to network. This greatly contributed to bring the logistics community together through exchanges, a big part of the MatchBox Exchange mission. To honour our top users, a segment of the event included an award ceremony. a) Hock Seng Heng Transport & Trading Pte Ltd and CA Transportation & Warehousing Pte Ltd were recognized for making the Most Re-Use and Exchange bookings so far in 2022. b) Rejoice Container Services Pte Ltd, WYN2000 Transport & Container Services Pte Ltd and Waterfront Services Pte Ltd were awarded the title of MB’s Power Users for consistently booking on the…
How to avoid depots and detentions in peak seasons
A strain on shipping capacity is adversely affecting the availability of containers, leading to longer delays, and an unprecedented rise in ocean freight rates. One of the most detrimental consequences of this squeeze is a potential surge in container detention costs each time containers aren’t returned empty in time under shipping lines’ terms and conditions. Industry analysts expect these challenges to grow in peak seasons and continue through 2021 and 2022. As we approach the peak season, booking needs to return empties are exceeding capacity. Suitable appointments become difficult because depots can only process a certain number of trucks per hour. Despite an increase in demand, transport operators cannot meet the required supply. Congestion and long queues at Empty Container Parks (ECP) force them to hold containers until they are scheduled for another appointment, often resulting in added handling and increased exposure to detention. Most shipping lines include weekends in detention free-days’ calculations, so the pressure on transport companies increases towards the end of theweek as they struggle to return containers by COB Friday knowing if they do not, detention charges will be incurred. Many trucking companies seek two days’ notice from importers to ensure the timely availability of empty containers…