With Its New Web Platform, xChange, The Boston Consulting Group Aims to Make It Cheaper and Easier for Container Carriers to Reposition Empty Containers Across the Globe
BOSTON – The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is launching xChange, a Web-based marketplace to effectively and environmentally reduce costs and emissions for shipping companies, the firm announced today.
According to BCG analysis, moving empty shipping containers costs $15 to $20 billion annually and generates up to 19 million tons of carbon dioxide globally—the equivalent of driving more than 90 billion miles in a standard car. BCG believes that xChange will greatly increase the number of container exchanges among logistics companies and reduce the movement of empty containers by as much as 30 percent.
The platform will provide end-to-end functionality and enable the direct exchange of containers and other equipment between market participants, such as container liners and other logistics companies. It will officially launch on November 17.
“The main goal in developing BCG’s container xChange is to facilitate exchanges of idle equipment between ocean carriers, container leasing companies, intermodal operators, and other logistics companies,” said Ulrik Sanders, a Copenhagen-based partner at BCG and the global leader of the firm’s transportation and logistics practice. “Through a comprehensive end-to-end process management system, we are introducing a groundbreaking solution that addresses very real exchange needs,” added Jens Riedl, a Munich-based partner and the firm’s head of transportation and logistics in Europe.
Key functionalities for users of the xChange platform include the following:
- Global transparency into equipment needs and the availability of other players in the industry provide easier, more streamlined coordination
- Automated identification of possible transactions supports staff in selecting the highest-value repositioning options
- End-to-end online interchange process reduces complexity and facilitates communication with other participants
- Live updates help to satisfy equipment needs, even on very short notice
- Intuitive graphic interface with search and filter functionalities let users find exactly the information they need
- Integrated data management and logging reduces recurring workload
- Integrated reporting provides transparency and rewards performance
The system is already in operation and is being tested by a majority of the top 20 global ocean container carriers and leading leasing companies.
More information on the xChange platform can be found at https://xchange.bcg.com/.
To arrange an interview or learn more about BCG xChange, please contact Eric Gregoire at +1 617 850 3783 or gregoire.eric@bcg.com.