Container triangulation, or street turns, is a smart way to use shipping containers. Instead of returning an empty container to the yard after unloading, it can be used again for a new shipment. This method helps save money, increases efficiency, and reduces port traffic. Here’s a simple breakdown of how this process works.
What Happens in the Import & Export Cycle of Container Triangulation?
1. Arrival of the Container
The process begins when a ship arrives at the port, bringing goods from another country. Before the ship gets there, the shipping agent submits an Import General Manifest (IGM). This document lists all the items coming into the country.
2. Customs Clearance
The Marine Logistics Operator (MLO) takes care of the paperwork, which includes paying port fees (called wharfage). After this, customs checks the container and clears it for delivery.
3. Delivery to the Consignee
The consignee, the person or company receiving the goods, takes delivery of the container. They then arrange for a transporter to take the container from the port to their warehouse.
Starting Container Triangulation
4. Transporter’s Role
Normally, after unloading the container, the transporter would return it empty to the yard. But with triangulation, the consignee can offer the empty container for another shipment instead. This is where platforms like Box on Wheels (BoW) come in, helping manage this process online.
5. Creating Demand
The transporter who delivered the container to the consignee looks for an exporter to book the container for a new shipment. Instead of returning the empty container, they list it on our platform.
6. How Triangulation Works
Here’s how the triangulation process works step by step:
- Container Offloading: The container arrives and is unloaded at the port.
- Booking a Transporter: The importer finds a transporter to deliver the empty container to their warehouse.
- Cargo Offloading: The importer unloads their goods from the container.
- Empty Container Return: Usually, the transporter would take the empty container back to the yard, ending the import cycle.
- Creating Demand: Instead, the transporter lists the empty container on our platform to find a new job for it.
- Creating Supply for Exporters: Exporters needing containers can also list their requirements on our platform.
- Matching Supply and Demand: BoW matches available containers with exporter needs.
- Booking Request: The exporter requests to book a container, which the transporter reviews and approves.
- Shipping Line Approval: The transporter asks the shipping line to link the container number to the new export booking.
- Starting the Export Cycle: Once approved, the transporter takes the empty container to the exporter’s warehouse.
- Cargo Loading: The exporter loads their goods into the container.
- Return to Port: The transporter returns the loaded container to the port for export.
- Container Loaded on Ship: The container is processed through customs and loaded onto a ship for its journey, completing the export cycle.
Reuse vs. Triangulation
It’s important to understand the difference between reuse and triangulation:
- Reuse: If the same importer exports their goods using the same container, it’s called “reuse.” This maximizes the container’s use.
- Triangulation: If different parties (importer and exporter) use the same container, it’s called “triangulation.” This provides more flexibility in logistics.
Both reuse and triangulation are services offered by Box on Wheels, helping everyone manage container logistics better.
Why Is Import & Export Cycle In Container Triangulation Important?
Container triangulation offers many benefits, especially in a busy country like India.
Cost Savings
By reusing containers instead of returning them empty, companies save on transportation costs, such as fuel and driver expenses.
Reduced Congestion
India’s ports and roads are often crowded. Triangulation helps reduce the number of trips to move empty containers, easing traffic.
Better Use of Containers
Containers are expensive. Quickly reusing them means they aren’t sitting idle, making it easier for exporters to find containers when they need them.
Environmental Benefits
Fewer trips to move empty containers help cut down on pollution. This small step helps make the logistics industry greener.
Conclusion
Container triangulation is an efficient way to manage containers in India’s busy logistics sector. This process allows importers and exporters to reuse containers without unnecessary trips. As the logistics industry grows, container triangulation will become even more vital. Companies like Box on Wheels are using technology to help businesses save time and money.
For more information, check out our concept video here and visit our website at www.boxonwheel.com.
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Container Triangulation- Process (Import/Export Cycle explaination) and how BOW is involved.
- Container containing importer cargo is offloaded on the port.
- Importer books a transporter to bring the container to his premises/warehouse.
- Importer offloads his cargo from the container and the importer role is over.
- Now the transporter has to take the empty container back to the yard/ICD. And with this the import cycle is closed.
- But in spite of taking the empty container transporter comes on our application, add the same container details on our platform which is emptied at the importer. Creating demand on our platform.
- Now Similarly all the exporters who are looking for the empty container come on our platform and add their container requirement creating supply on our platform.
- BoW algorithm matches the supply and the demand, we show the matched container list to the exporter from which they select any one and raise booking request.
- Exporter booking request is received by the transporter and he approves the booking.
- Now, container number and new export booking number linking request is sent to the shipping line for approval.
- Once the linking is approved, (Export cycle starts) transporter takes the empty container to exporter warehouse.
- Transporter takes the empty container to the exporter, export cargo is stuffed and the transporter takes the container back to the port.
- The container is loaded on the ships and the export cycle is close.
- Now in this process if the same importer is exporting his cargo in the import container, this is called Re-use of the container as the import and the export parties are same.
- And if the import and export parties are different it is called triangulation.
- Reuse and triangulate are two different services we are offeriong to users. For reference please check our concept video: https://youtu.be/okQjM9JpC8s?feature=shared
- Check our website: www.boxonwheel.com
- We have provided our presentation as well in which the Import cycle/ Export cycle and container triangulation are elaborated very clearly.
