BIC Container Tare Weight Database Goes Live
The new database of container tare
weight data recently announced by the Bureau International des Containers (BIC)
is now live, with more than half a million containers already uploaded and new files
being added daily. Container owners and operators are encouraged to sign up now
to upload their fleet files to the database, and shippers are invited to start
using the data right away.
The Technical Characteristics Database (TCD) is now accessible on the following website: www.bic-boxtech.org
The pilot database, which was launched by the BIC in response to the new
SOLAS* mandatory container weight verification requirements in effect from 1st
July 2016, provides an easy-to-access source of container tare weight data to
help support carriers, shippers, forwarders and other intermediaries. New
container data is being added to the TCD by carriers and leasing companies
every day.
“Following months of working closely with container owners,
operators and shippers, the TCD was developed to provide a simple, effective
tool that helps shippers, owners and operators to reduce their workload and
improve efficiency,” explainsBertrand
Geoffray, Secretary General of the BIC. “For total simplicity, the sole focus of the TCD
is to capture the technical characteristics of a container, including tare
weight, alongside the container’s operational number,”
The new database offers access to data supplied by the first partners of
the pilot project and additional carriers are uploading fleet details on an ongoing
basis. Container owners and operators are welcome to sign up online straight
away in order to start uploading fleet files, and to allow owners and operators
to update fleet details automatically going forward, APIs will be available
very soon. Once fully populated, the
database will enable all users to access a vast source of container tare weight
and other technical characteristics simply by querying the container
number.
Shippers, and other parties wishing to access the data, can now do so via
the secure TCD website www.bic-boxtech.org. The API, which will be live shortly, will
also provide the option to automatically integrate data into shipper and
forwarder systems. Either method offers a simpler alternative to visiting
multiple websites or obtaining this information from the container door.
Geoffray continues “There has been a lot of support from
across the industry since the BIC announced the launch of the TCD, recognizing
the importance of a central source of this type of container data. However we are keen for more parties to
contribute to this significant project in the coming weeks. We urge owners and operators to get involved
and start uploading container data to the database now.”
The minimum data elements required to participate in the TCD are the container
number and tare weight, but, to achieve the full benefit of the database, the BIC
is encouraging owners to upload as many of the technical details as possible.
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. It also simplifies access to tare weights in the event
of containers being traded between parties.
Beyond the benefits related to compliance with SOLAS*, the database will
also allow companies such as terminals, rail operators and hauliers to improve
efficiency by conveniently accessing container details using only the
operational number, while in the event of an accident, insurers and
investigators may benefit from the database with access to technical details. In addition, including the manufacturer ID
number within the technical characteristics of a container will make the
database useful in the event of container loss, insurance claims and
recoveries.
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 program will be evaluated with
industry partners before full roll-out. In any case, the TCD will only be
operated as a non-profit, non-commercial service.
The TCD can be accessed at www.bic-boxtech.org
For more information
on the TCD, see the FAQs here: www.bic-boxtech.org/faqs/ or write to info@bic-boxtech.org
ENDS – 673 WORDS
*SOLAS - International Maritime Organization “Safety of Life at Sea” Convention
About the BIC
Founded under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce in
1933 as a neutral, non-profit, international organization, the BIC today has
over 2100 members in over 120 countries.
The BIC has played an important role in the growth of containerization, with
its long-established and active role in the development of industry standards
and its appointment by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
in 1972 as the industry’s global container prefix registry – a registry further
endorsed by international customs conventions. Since 2013 the BIC has also operated the
Global ACEP Database, under the guidance of the IMO.
Today, the BIC code is the “international calling card” of nearly every
container in international trade, allowing for proper identification and
facilitating the crossing of borders without delay. With a mission to promote
the safe, secure and sustainable expansion of intermodal transportation, the
BIC enables professional dialogue amongst its members, standards bodies,
governments and other industry organizations.
The BIC holds official observer status as a NGO at both the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), and contributes
regularly as an observer to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
(UNECE) and other organizations.