Repositioning Shipping Containers

There are many times even in the shipping industry that people do not realize just how much effort a shipping line has to go through to keep the flow of goods moving smoothly. One of the biggest projects is making sure that there are shipping containers available in places that have more exports than imports. Repositioning containers is serious business. These lopsided trade lanes can cause deficits which could create major delays in shipping.

Repositioning containers may seem like a waste of money since it can cost a shipping line almost as much to move empties but it is extremely necessary to keep the same level of service that their customers expect. In fact, as soon as a container comes in to port it is positioned in a specific area. If there is a deficit happening in a port, the container may go right back out as soon as it is unloaded. The longer it takes to get it back out, the more money it will cost in the long run. This is why some carriers choose to lower outbound shipping rates in these areas. Although some see it as a way to get more customers, it is really more about getting to move the containers out. Even if they only break even on costs, it is well worth it. This is also why there are sometimes repositioning fees built in to the containers moving in to those areas.

Not surprisingly, everything about container repositioning is in order to continue to building revenue. If they can keep the containers flowing and move more in and out of a port, the more revenue they will generate. When containers are not full, they are costing storage fees as well as missed booking opportunities. Keeping containers full and moving is the most important consideration for a shipping line.