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Bureau International des Containers opens empty box weight database
A DATABASE of empty container (tare) weights has been opened by the Bureau International des Containers (BIC) in Paris with more than 500,000 weights of different container types available and more coming in daily.
Container owners and operators are encouraged to sign up now to upload their fleet files to the Technical Characteristics Database (TCD), and shippers are invited to start using the data right away. The TCD is accessible at: www.bic-boxtech.org.
The pilot database was launched by the BIC in response to the new SOLAS mandatory container weight verification requirements that went into effect on July 1.
"The TCD was developed to provide a simple, effective tool that helps reduce workloads and improve efficiency," said BIC secretary general Bertrand Geoffray.
"The sole focus of the TCD is to capture the tare weight, alongside the container's operational number," he said
But BIC also encourages owners to upload as many of the technical details as possible to achieve the full benefit of the database.
To allow owners and operators to update fleet details automatically going forward, APIs will be available very soon. The API will also provide the option to automatically integrate data into shipper and forwarder systems.
Once fully populated, the database will enable users to access a vast source of container tare weight and other technical characteristics simply by querying the container number.
The database is particularly useful for "Method 2" shippers, those adding cargo and securing material weight to the container tare weight to obtain the Verified Gross Mass (VGM), and also benefits carriers and leasing companies, who will be able to provide automated tare weight access without having to invest time or money on multiple integrations or requests for individual tare weights.
The pilot phase of the database, which is expected to last until the end of the year, is being provided free of charge to all parties. After this, the programme will be evaluated with industry partners before full rollout. In any case, the TCD will only be operated as a non-profit, non-commercial service, a BIC release said.
Container owners and operators are encouraged to sign up now to upload their fleet files to the Technical Characteristics Database (TCD), and shippers are invited to start using the data right away. The TCD is accessible at: www.bic-boxtech.org.
The pilot database was launched by the BIC in response to the new SOLAS mandatory container weight verification requirements that went into effect on July 1.
"The TCD was developed to provide a simple, effective tool that helps reduce workloads and improve efficiency," said BIC secretary general Bertrand Geoffray.
"The sole focus of the TCD is to capture the tare weight, alongside the container's operational number," he said
But BIC also encourages owners to upload as many of the technical details as possible to achieve the full benefit of the database.
To allow owners and operators to update fleet details automatically going forward, APIs will be available very soon. The API will also provide the option to automatically integrate data into shipper and forwarder systems.
Once fully populated, the database will enable users to access a vast source of container tare weight and other technical characteristics simply by querying the container number.
The database is particularly useful for "Method 2" shippers, those adding cargo and securing material weight to the container tare weight to obtain the Verified Gross Mass (VGM), and also benefits carriers and leasing companies, who will be able to provide automated tare weight access without having to invest time or money on multiple integrations or requests for individual tare weights.
The pilot phase of the database, which is expected to last until the end of the year, is being provided free of charge to all parties. After this, the programme will be evaluated with industry partners before full rollout. In any case, the TCD will only be operated as a non-profit, non-commercial service, a BIC release said.
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