ZIM taps MatchBack Systems for inland operations in Italy

The Israeli ocean carrier will utilize the software company’s “matchback” services for inland transport optimization in Italy, MatchBack Systems said in a statement.    Israeli ocean carrier ZIM Integrated Shipping has joined the software company MatchBack Systems’ customer base for inland operations optimization in Italy, according to the software company.
   A software as a service (SaaS) provider, MatchBack Systems will deploy a two month pilot for ZIM that will plan, optimize and automate matchbacks. According to the company, a matchback occurs when containers are reused, “pairing an import move with an export transport move inland, resulting in significant savings in time, costs and emissions.” The ZIM system will be serviced through the Rotterdam office in Europe and corporate headquarters in North America, said the software company.
   “We like the company’s inventive technological approach to gain matchback savings through fewer empty container moves,” said Gil Lehmann, head of global land transportation for ZIM. “At ZIM, we endorse innovation and new technological platforms, which we see as vital tools to promote our strategic values – efficiency and profitability leading to improved customer service.”
   “ZIM understands and recognizes the compelling business case to automate matchbacks and has embraced the MatchBack Systems’ approach,” said Todd Ericksrud, president & CEO at MatchBack Systems. “We work closely with ZIM to unlock savings through strategic matchbacks in Europe.
   “ZIM supports MatchBack Systems use of big data to analyze, predict, optimize and ultimately automate the daily workflows to execute the optimal matchbacks. Along with lowering costs and improving equipment utilization, there’s enormous positive environmental impact when matchbacks are executed, as the eliminated movements reduce harmful emissions,” said Ericksrud.