In this case study, we will explore how Coastline Transport utilises MatchBox Exchange’s digital platform to its advantage. After a brief introduction to their business, we will delve into their responses to a few questions we asked them. About Coastline Transport Coastline Transport operates an off-port container storage park and a dedicated container transport fleet, offering efficient and cost-saving solutions for customers in Auckland and throughout New Zealand. They have been utilizing our platform since 2022, and their usage has steadily increased since then. Initially, they started out with a high import volume, which led them to offload containers through Exchange to exporters. As they took on more export work, they have also started Re-Using their own import containers, while also requesting containers from the wider network for their exports. Key achievements 1) Coastline would have saved 250+ truck trips resulting in cost savings and efficiency across the board. 2) Up until June 2023, they have saved 15,000 KGs of carbon emissions and 16,100 kms. Q&A insights 1) What are the main benefits of using MatchBox Exchange (MB) for your business? As a transport operator in Auckland, it is difficult to keep the trucks running efficiently when they’re constantly being held…
Collaboration drives efficiency: How technology is connecting and advancing the container transport industry
It is not common for competing businesses to work in collaboration with each other. But if it could save you time, reduce your costs, and bring in more business, would you consider it? This is a question that shipping container transport operators are starting to ask themselves. As the industry embraces the benefits of digital processes and starts looking for new ways to reduce costs and disruptions in supply chains, there is an opportunity for transport businesses to adopt (and benefit from) more streamlined, strategic, and collaborative processes. Indeed, emerging technology is helping the container transport industry to drive more efficient empty container management and reduce the use of depots by offering digital container reuse (or container triangulation) as a viable alternative. However, it begs the question: is this alone sufficient? Transport operators continue to wear the cost of wasteful supply chains. Container triangulation, which is often synonymous with reusing import containers for export purposes, provides significant time and cost-saving advantages for companies that can reuse empty containers in their possession – reducing the frequent need to transit through depots. It’s a great alternative to depots, that many transport businesses are adopting. However, what if import containers don’t match their export needs? In this…
Transforming landside logistics: A case study on cost reduction and enhanced productivity with Maersk and MatchBox Exchange in Australia
For more than six years, Maersk and MatchBox Exchange have formed a successful partnership that spans multiple markets. It all began in Australia back in 2017, and since then, this collaboration has generated numerous benefits for transport companies, exporters, and importers alike. In this case study, we’ll explore how MatchBox Exchange’s platform for Exchanges and Re-Uses has significantly reduced costs and increased productivity in the Australian market. Exchanges – Western Australia (WA) Parties involved 1. Grain exporters 2. Transport companies 3. Maersk and MatchBox Exchange (MB) What is happening? Currently, we have shippers sourcing units directly from others in WA via the Exchange feature. This involves the following process: A) Export shippers (or their subcontracted transport company) make an Exchange post once they get an active release number.This then, informs others that this party is looking for X units by a specified date, dropped off to a specified location. B) Other transport companies needing to dehire these units will then offer, and subsequently, Exchange these units with the exporting party. This helps users leverage each other’s import and export mix to still cut out the empty depots in cases where they can’t make a Re-Use amongst their own business mix…
Sideloaders – helping you increase your productivity
MatchBox Exchange now operates across many markets in APAC and it’s interesting to see how container transporters operate differently across these markets. All face the task of having to collect/deliver both full and empty containers to/from port terminals and empty container depots. What we see is various delivery models and equipment used by different markets. In this article, we focus on the growing use of sideloaders (also referred to as swinglift trailers). A sideloader is a chassis fitted with cranes that can lift containers on and off its chassis without the need for a container forklift. In markets like Australia and New Zealand they are widely adopted, with growing use in markets like Malaysia. So what’s so good about sideloaders? a) They offer more delivery flexibility – containers can be delivered to customers before their planned unpacking/packing time (often after hours) so when unpacking/packing crews arrive, the container is on the ground ready for them. b) There is no need for the sideloader to wait for the customer to unpack/pack their containers and can quickly move on with their next job resulting in increased productivity (more deliveries). c) Containers can be unloaded or loaded onto the truck’s chassis within 15 minutes. d)…