Reforming business models by introducing the latest technology is not an option but a necessary strategy…
Reviewing the empty container return process will significantly reduce costs and CO2 emissions across the industry.
We are currently accepting companies, organizations, and individuals to participate in the project.
background:
With tariff hikes and deregulation policies under the Trump administration weighing heavily on corporate management, this is an opportunity to advance logistics efficiency projects.
In this situation, the introduction of the latest technology and rapid response to infrastructure improvements are no longer merely an option, but a necessary strategy for survival.
Summary: Disclosure of excess/deficiency information at shipping company bases
- Select return destination using QR code on EIR : Dispatch staff and drivers can read the QR code with their smartphones to select the optimal return destination
- Reducing transport distance and time : Improving logistics efficiency by simultaneously adjusting for container shortages and excesses and reducing empty shipments
- Reducing environmental impact : Reduce CO2 emissions and introduce next-generation logistics systems
- Promoting container round use (CRU) : Promoting matching by returning containers to inland depots
- Domestic freight transport support: Wide-ranging container use in EC logistics
This system is also expected to address the logistics industry’s “2024 problem,” and is an important initiative that balances improved transport efficiency with climate change measures.
Purpose:
The system aims to optimize the forwarding of empty containers after import cargo is unloaded.
effect:
- Improving logistics efficiency: By making it more flexible to specify destinations for empty container returns, we can guide containers from locations with excess inventory to locations with shortages.
- CO2 reduction: Reducing the environmental impact of the entire transport sector by reducing fuel consumption
- Measures to combat driver shortages: Reducing waiting time in congested areas and yards
- Improving the competitiveness of local ports: Strengthening the international competitiveness of supply chains through revitalization of local ports
- Promoting container round use: Improving matching rates at inland depots
Implementation steps:
① A QR code is printed on the EIR that allows you to select the normal return destination and the return destination.
② The transport sector (dispatch staff, etc.) selects the desired return location via the QR code.
* If there is no preferred location, the vehicle will be returned to the regular return location (empty van pool designated by the shipping company, etc.)
3) After adjusting the return date and conditions, the item is returned.
General Confirmation:
① Return within the free time at the time of import: There may be exceptions in the case of round use.
② Whether or not there is any damage remark at the time of removal or existing damage: There are exceptions in the case of returning to a repairable base.
③Other: Check with the shipping company beforehand
Immediate action plan: Starting with reviewing empty container return practices…
- Supporting the transport sector
- Revise the uniform description of the return location of empty containers at EIR
- Create information channels between shipping companies, shippers and the transport sector
- Consider system integration in the future
To improve the example:
1) Review the designation of excess inventory to be returned to Tokyo and encourage the return of insufficient inventory to Yokohama.
☆Needs of the transportation sector:
- Tokyo Port is congested, so we would like to return the car in Yokohama.
- The import location after the return is in Yokohama, so I would like to return it in Yokohama.
- Yokohama is the closer return location.
2) Due to lack of information, the ship was returned to Tokyo Port, passing through the Sendai Port area where there was a shortage of stock.
☆Needs in the transportation sector:
- If it is possible to return to Sendai Port, it will be possible to handle import cargo from Sendai.
- If we can return it to Sendai Port, the head will be free to start the next job.
- In order to save time, we would like to avoid the long distance to Keihin if possible.
3) The uniform designation for the return of excess inventory to Tokyo will be reviewed, and the possibility of returning it to ICD (inland depot) will be suggested.
☆Needs of the transportation sector:
- Tokyo Port is congested, so we would like to return the goods at an ICD (inland depot).
- After the return, you can start picking up the product.
*The possibility of transporting ICD with the product depends on the freight rate. - It will also create the possibility for drivers to operate on a regular schedule.
☆Shipper’s circumstances:
- Freight rates for container round-trip use can be expected.
- Logistics inventory can be adjusted by transporting to an ICD.
- We would also like to consider using it for emergency response and domestic transportation.
Example of QR code on EIR :
①Insert “Oohi 00yard or QR” in the container return destination column of the EIR.
②Direct the customer to the shipping company’s website using the QR code, and make adjustments to optimize the process.
Example of a site for changing the return destination of empty containers – 1: A site that is a gate to the shipping company
First, click on the shipping company name.
After that, please specify the return date on each shipping company’s website.
List of empty container owners:
OOCL
ONE
CEC
MSC
WHL
EMC
COSCO
SITC
Basic conditions:
- The return location is basically the container shortage location.
- Size, number of containers, due date, return acceptance time zone (ICD)
- No damage including nasty odors, no expiration of free time, etc., as per the shipping company’s regulations.
Example of website for changing empty container return destination – 2: Shipping company’s reception website
Example of description on shipping company website:
Empty shipping containers can be returned at the container shortage locations listed below.
1) Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku area Sendai Port: 40ft HC Niigata East Port: 20ft
2) Kanto area Hitachinaka Port: 40ft HC Chiba Port: 20ft Bando Depot: 40ft HC Sano Inland Port: 40ft HC Koga Inland Depot: 40ft HC Mizuho Inland Depot: 40ft HC
3) Kinki Kansai area Kobe Port: 20ft, 40ft HC
*Return acceptance conditions:
- No damage
- No free time limit
- No lease ban specified
- There are empty returns from other shipping companies
- Reception time limit
- Please attach your EIR image.
Please confirm the above conditions by phone or email before returning the item.
FAX：03-1111-1111
Email with image attachment: empty.return＠○○.comTelephone inquiries: 03-2222-2222
NEW！
*Example of QR code usage: Used to safely guide visually impaired people on the Otemachi subway line
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Empty container return destination optimization project PP materials
NEW! 2025.4.17 Press Release Maritime Daily News Co., Ltd.
Maritime Dairy News:
- A new step to promote CRU
- Escot optimises empty container returns
- QR codes allow selection of destination for turnaround
- The non-profit organisation ESCOT, which promotes container round-use (CRU), is preparing to launch a project to optimise the return of empty containers. Normally, when truck drivers return empty containers after devanning, they have to send them back to the return destination indicated on the EIR (equipment delivery receipt), but a QR code is written on the EIR instead of the return destination. The system allows drivers to read the QR code with their smartphone and return the empty con to any of the locations listed on a dedicated page. By increasing the flexibility of return locations, the system contributes to the “2024 problem” in logistics by reducing the distance and time required to send back empty containers. The company also hopes to encourage the return of vehicles to inland depots and promote CRUs.
- The forerunner of ESCOT was the Energy Saving Transport Measures
Participants wanted: We are looking for companies, organizations, and individuals who can sympathize with the project and participate.
Inquiry:
NPO ESCOT
e.mail：ser.kashiwa@gmail.com
mobil：+81-80-4365-0861
fax:+81-471-66-4128
https://www.npo-escot.org