Challenge: A large client in the Midwest had a significant problem: an annual spend well over $100,000 on equipment detention bills. Even with significant allowances for free time, the penalties continued. Due to the volume of containers delivered to this account and the lack of a management tool to assist with this process, they were unable to efficiently track the empty containers at their facilities and the subsequent empty returns to the rail ramp.
The Laufer Solution:After discussing the issue with the client, we developed a customized tracking system that would allow the customer to view the entire delivery process on Laufer.com, including the following event status messages:
1. Terminal out gate time and date. 2. Last detention free date per container 3. Customer empty notification date 4. Empty return date to terminal
In addition, our internal logistics team proactively manages and prioritizes the return of the empty containers to the terminal based upon last available free day, and works with the warehouse team to alert them to containers that are close to free time expiration.
Results:By creating a management and visibility tool on Laufer.com to proactively manage equipment free time, we were able to help the customer reduce their annual detention costs by up to 95%.
