An interchange is the process of moving an otherwise idle cargo container from a location that has a surplus of container inventory to a location that has container requirements.
Container operators and owners who currently pay billions annually in empty repositioning costs use the SynchroNet Marine Interchange program to move their empty containers. Our service costs a fraction of the expense of a conventional empty container move. Cost conscious operators derive large savings in financial expenditures and cost to the environment1.
In conventional repositioning of an empty container, the same container can be used to transport cargo instead of being moved empty to another location for cargo pick-up. The reduction of the need to move containers empty, means vessel operators can compound positive financial outcomes. The fewer vessel spaces needed to relocate empty containers or cargo pick-up allows for increased revenue since that slot can be sold for commercial cargo.
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1 Reduces carbon emission by up to 90%.
SynchroNet Marine matches your empty move details with cargo movement worldwide to provide you with opportunities for interchange instead of you paying hundreds of dollars to book an empty vessel slot to move the unit. You can contact SynchroNet Marine here.
All participants of the Interchange service sign a contract referred to as a SynchroNet Interchange Agreement. Both parties in the Interchange transactions are obliged by contractual terms and conditions of use.
Container operators pay per use of the service. The transaction cost is priced according to the location details of the move. The charges are typically up to 70% lower than if the container is booked on a vessel sailing to reposition empty inclusive of handling and terminal fees. The charges are based on virtual gate-out and gate-in rates. When the containers are picked up at the depot provided in your release details, a gate-out fee is charged. The gate-out fee is usually a portion of the total rate discussed between yourself and your SynchroNet Marine representative and contracted in the SynchroNet Marine Interchange agreement. When the container is delivered empty at the pre-agreed release destination, a gate-in fee, usually the balance of the contracted rate of the entire move is paid.
SynchroNet Marine is a neutral third-party service provider to interchange containers. We have developed in-house, state-of-the-art software and web-based technology to initiate, create, track and trace, and invoice interchanged containers between users and suppliers. Visibility of bookings, invoices and actual position of the containers can be obtained via the web. Your equipment surpluses and deficits can be uploaded automatically. Our real-time optimization allows us, through our worldwide network, to pro-actively inform you about opportunities to supply your equipment or provide equipment to you. You avoid moving these containers empty at high expense. The SynchroNet Marine solution reduces your expenses, increases your turn time and creates opportunities on your vessel network.
The demand from your customers often fluctuates. Container equipment shortages are growing worldwide, while cargo demand continues to grow. The current market situation makes it much more difficult to position equipment in a timely manner; equipment may not be available at all. Early submission of information to SynchroNet Marine about your requirements offers you neutral and active source of equipment supply, to keep your customers satisfied.
SynchroNet Marine maintains, confidentially and neutrally, the historic information of bookings and equipment surpluses and shortages. This allows us to pro-actively assist the transportation industry and to work to assist in the reduction of equipment imbalances. Our Interchange service allows you to make regular bookings from / to points where SynchroNet Marine supplies you with containers.
SynchroNet Marine’s offices in North- and South-America, Europe and Asia enable us to support worldwide container movements, meeting local procedures. Our track and trace technology and experienced staff maintain processes to stimulate rapid return of your containers. We record and maintain the actual location of your containers to reduce misused and long-used containers. Where required, SynchroNet Marine takes corrective action.
Pick-up and return information can be uploaded automatically into our systems: by direct computer connections or by standardized spreadsheets. Our track and trace technology compliments the automation of pick-up and return information. When pick-up information has been received, our operational staff arranges for the return details at destination. Timely and accurate pick-up and return information is the key component for accurate invoicing.
Damages and repairs occur in a very low percentage of our container movements. If any damage above the damage-waiver level is reported, a report with the estimated cost is created. The user of the container is informed and is required to approve the estimate. After the estimate is approved, the container is repaired and invoiced. If a damage is disputed, extra inspection of the container may be required.
SynchroNet offices in North- and South-America, Europe and Asia are in close proximity to our customers and within the same time-zones. Our worldwide organization allows us to create and control worldwide container movements, as well as embrace and support local cultures and procedures. Our track and track technology and experienced staff maintain processes to stimulate fast return of the containers in the various parts of the world.
SynchroNet interchanges are modeled for specific high velocity transactions with duration periods that are much shorter than a typical leasing company agreement.
Actual pick-up and return information determines the accuracy of monthly invoices. Pick-up and return information is obtained directly from our customers and through our track and trace technology. Invoices can be designed to show only the containers a carrier supplied, only the containers a carrier received or containers both supplied and received together. Billing, credit and collections are managed in our Scottsdale, Arizona, USA office.
Through a personal login procedure the customer is able to identify and select new interchanges, view and manage existing interchanges (including reporting of pick-ups and returns).
