The first virtual container yard

International Asset Systems (IAS), supplier of data-enabled solutions for equipment management and tracking in the container transport industry, has launched a web-based service that allows container operators to make quick and easy street turns of their empty equipment.

InterTurn is said to be the first service available to automate the much-talked-about "virtual container yard" (VCY) concept, in which empty containers are moved directly to the next loading point instead of first being carried back to a terminal or rail ramp.

The first VCY programme has been sponsored by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, together with the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority in southern California, since July 2006.

It is based on IAS technology in partnership with eModal, which is responsible for outreach to the southern California trucking community.

"With 99% of the trucking companies serving the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach already registered with eModal, users are able to optimise the re-use of containers with a simple point and click, " said John Cushing, president of eModal.

InterTurn can be integrated with ocean carriers' equipment management systems to provide a seamless link between liner company and haulier.

As the carrier's system updates the status of each container, the information is transferred to InterTurn and made available to approved trucking companies via the InterTurn website.

A set of business rules allows authorised trucking companies to see available containers from several container operators at once.

When an approved trucking company logs on to InterTurn with a booking number for one of the ocean carrier's customers, the system ensures the available container matches the load - for example a refrigerated container will not be released for a load of scrap metal - and then authorises the trucking company to pick up the empty container and deliver it directly to the new customer.

"There is too much empty container mileage, " said Paul Crinks, CEO of IAS.

"Every member of the transport chain suffers - ocean carriers, trucking companies, shippers, ports and terminals, and even the public "With InterTurn powering virtual container yards across the country, we have the ability to eliminate those inefficiencies, reduce congestion and cut emissions."