Reducing the transport of empty containers

It’s estimated that 25% (2.5m teu) of all containers shipped by road, rail or inland shipping are empty. The ‘transport of air’ is not only expensive and inefficient, it also impacts the environment more than necessary.

Hans Smits, CEO, Port of Rotterdam, said: “By strongly investing in the optimisation of the logistical chains, we strengthen our position as the largest port in Europe. Improving efficiency for our clients and the entire chain is therefore an important part of our mission. Moreover, good, reliable connections with our hinterland network are a spearhead with which Rotterdam distinguishes itself from other ports.”

The new online application, called ‘empty depot tool’, shows, per connected shipping company, the inland terminals where shippers and logistical service providers can pick up and deposit empty containers, and later reuse these containers for a new load.

As a result, it is no longer necessary to always return empty containers to Rotterdam – it makes sense because the containers regularly return empty to a shipper in the hinterland for the next freight.

InlandLinks says that the new application enables the shipping companies to give shippers and freight forwarders more insight into their intermodal services to and from Rotterdam’s hinterland saving on unnecessary mileage leading to lower costs and lower CO2 emissions.