IAS upgrades virtual container yard system
JoC Online
Monday, November 13, 2006
By: Bill Mongelluzzo

The JOURNAL of COMMERCE ONLINE

LONG BEACH, Calif. -- International Asset Systems has initiated development of an enhanced virtual container yard system that will be ready for nationwide deployment beginning in March.

The system allows a container to be transitioned from import status to an export or domestic move without first being returned to a marine terminal, rail ramp or container yard.

By avoiding additional gate transaction costs, grounding, storage and equipment costs, a virtual container yard can save a carrier about $200 per re-use transaction, according to Paul Larking, director of logistics at IAS.

The company launched a virtual container yard in the Midwest several years ago. IAS was also awarded a contract, along with eModal LLC, to provide a system for the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority.

In addition to producing cost savings for ocean carriers and truckers, the virtual container yard will help improve air quality, reduce public infrastructure spending and conserving energy.

The virtual container yard will integrate with ocean carriers' equipment systems to automatically update the system with information about the availability of empty containers. The enhanced system will provide tie-ins with mobile technology, such as GPS-enabled cell phones which truckers can use to update the system after pick-ups and deliveries.