Real-time empty container matching system kickoff

Real-time empty container matching system kickoff Oakland-based International Asset Systems Tuesday announced deals with four leading shipping lines to deploy a computer-based system to match local supply and demand for empty domestic containers.
   Shipping lines CMA CGM, Mediterranean Shipping Co, and U.S. Lines have agreed to utilize the new InterTurn system in multiple regions across the nation with commercial turn beginning this week. A fourth carrier was not identified.
   Launched at the Trans-Pacific Maritime Conference in early March, the InterTurn system facilitates “street turns” — local exchanges of equipment — near ports, rail ramps and inland container yards. Increasing the number of street turns, said IAS in a release, helps ocean carriers and trucking companies reduce the cost of repositioning empty containers. It also reduces freeway traffic, pollution, and yard congestion at container facilities.
   Users of the system communicate information about equipment status and location, then exchange empty containers — all off-dock, via the Internet. Empty containers transition between import, export and domestic moves without first having to return to the terminal or rail ramp.
   Hoover's lists IAS as a $4.3 million a year company with additional offices in Chicago; Hong Kong; Aarhus, Denmark; Jaipur, India; Nice, France; and London.