BoxTech, the database of technical details for containers, has introduced a number of new functions which will help shippers save time, and enable equipment owners to register container sales and flag units with exception alerts.

Two of the top three global carriers are already using the new features.

The fast-growing database, which is provided by the Bureau International des Containers (BIC) and already includes the technical characteristics of more than 30% of the global container fleet, is continually evolving to meet the needs of the shipping industry.

One new function allows owners to indicate in the BoxTech database when containers have been sold. This will alert anybody, or any system, searching for a container which has been sold that it is no longer part of that company’s fleet. This will help prevent improperly-marked containers from circulating with the markings of their previous owner, improving safety, reducing risk and helping to encourage the proper neutralisation of sold containers.

This functionality is already being used by leading ocean carriers CMA-CGM and Maersk Line, both of which have uploaded their entire global container fleets to the database and are now flagging units whenever they are sold.

Douglas Owen, Secretary General of the BIC said, “CMA-CGM was an early adopter of BoxTech and Maersk one of our more recent, but both clearly understand the value of a central, non-profit information source and both have provided leadership to the industry. Both have provided input that has been instrumental in developing new ideas and updates for BoxTech, in particular the new container sales function.”

Recovery Alerts

Another new feature, the new BoxTech Recovery Alerts system, enables container owners to create alert lists to flag specific units in case of bankruptcies and other recovery situations, such as lost or stolen units. It can also inform users whenever a special status exists for a given unit. This new feature is also of particular use to container leasing companies needing to recover units, as well as the shippers, terminals, ports, and rail and motor carriers within the 1100 strong BoxTech user base. www.bic-boxtech.org.