Container Management Software: Maximizing Container Efficiency

Container shipping has improved dramatically in the last decade with the advent of automation and integrated shipping solutions software. However, problems relating to lost and damaged shipments still happen from time to time. Every year, up to ten thousand shipping containers are lost at sea due to a number of factors including careless handling by freight and vessel operators. While some problems cannot be avoided, shipping companies can implement measures to minimize risks and enhance the efficiency of their container shipping operations. Container management software is an answer to the challenges involved in container freight management. It is designed to assist shipping companies and their customers with day to day tracking of containers which is crucial in creating an efficient business workflow. Using this software, vessel operators and port authorities can generate information which they can use to:

• Control and manage multiple container fleets remotely from a central office. 

• Provide complete container visibility from ports to distribution centers. 

• Manage their cargo mix and make best use of container space to reduce costs and maximize profit in every port call.

• Make forecasts of container movement and facilitate advance planning to avoid terminal congestion. 

• Detect possible demurrage costs and other expenses. 

•  Manage container repairs through use of container repair software.

With approximately 50 million containers being transported on container fleets annually, there is great need for every shipping company to implement functional shipping solutions software to provide their customers end-to-end visibility for their inventory at every level of the supply chain operation. Improving container security and maximizing overall freight productivity requires use of functional marine software solutions specifically designed to streamline logistics flow. With container management software, shipping companies no longer have to outsource their operations to third party logistics providers (3PL’s). They themselves can manage their own and their customers’ inventory with efficiency, visibility, and greater control.