Every transport company owner wishes to have their trucks running around the clock. But in reality – this is hard to achieve. Why? 1. It is difficult to find customers who will allow deliveries or pickups after-hours – many business owners find that to grow and secure new contracts, they need to invest in more trucks to service them. This is because the trucks they already have, are fully committed during normal day-time operating hours. An alternative is to subcontract the work to third parties, but this means giving away margin and control which is not ideal. 2. Empty container parks are often closed at night – so how would the transport operator return containers when the container depots are closed? 3. Drivers – Business owners have found the right customers, but they just can’t find the drivers. As far as the first two points are concerned, smart transport operators find customers that will provide night access and combine this with container re-use or exchange via the MB platform. This provides them with an instant approval, eliminating the need to engage with shipping lines that are closed. It also removes the need to return the container to the depot. It’s a great…
Exchanges: Why they can be a game-changer for your business
Here we are at the start of a new year and it’s always a good time for reflection and to set new goals. There is no doubt the last two years have arguably been the most challenging years we’ve ever seen and although we still have some challenges ahead of us, I’m optimistic that 2022 will be a better year for our industry and our customers. Here at MatchBox Exchange (MB), we believe the role we play within our industry is not only to provide innovative digital solutions for the container logistics industry, but to also help the industry adopt new thinking and new operating models that will deliver a better, faster, and smarter transport network. Offering smart digital products and services is one part of the solution but without adopting the right mindset it’s very likely you will not fully exploit the benefits these tools can offer your business. We call this mindset “THE MATCHBOX EXCHANGE MINDSET.” So, what is it exactly? Well before I get into explaining what it is, let me paint a picture of the current challenges faced by our industry and how adopting the MatchBox Exchange mindset can help. Today the container logistics industry is facing major challenges…
Do current delivery models hamper your logistics business? Consider MatchBox Exchange
As logistics supply chains lag behind in the face of global disruptions, digital technology will play an increasingly central role in developing the industry and overcoming these challenges. But will digitising current workflows be enough or is a radical shift necessary to achieve tangible results? While most digital processes focus on improving the existing model of delivery, a few aim to fundamentally change the model altogether. One such idea is the MatchBox Exchange (MB) ‘open market’ platform that looks at the problem of returning and collecting empty shipping containers from a different perspective. What’s the inspiration behind this radical change? While heading one of Australia’s leading transport companies, Carl Marchese personally experienced the waste and cost that empty container parks add to international supply chains. Such container parks were unable to handle surging demands despite major improvements. In time, it became evident that modernising this outdated system was pointless and that reinvention was the only way forward. This thought inspired the vision for a better-faster-smarter approach. How does MatchBox Exchange work? Can it provide lasting solutions to long-standing problems? Scheduling a booking on MatchBox Exchange doesn’t require a subscription, joining fee or even monthly payments as registered users are only charged per transaction. Its 24×7 Instant Approval feature facilitates…
How to avoid the challenges and restrictions with Appointment Systems at depots, the solution is only a few clicks away!
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…