PIL and MatchBox Exchange collaborate to optimise flow of empty containers in Thailand

SINGAPORE : Pacific International Lines (PIL), a leading Singapore-based shipping line, and MatchBox Exchange, a SaaS platform for the reuse and exchange of shipping containers between operators, have teamed up to enhance landside logistics for PIL’s customers in Thailand. This collaboration expands a similar partnership between PIL and MatchBox Exchange in Malaysia that began in 2023.

PIL’s customers in Thailand now have access to the MatchBox Exchange platform to seamlessly triangulate import containers for export with instant 24/7 approval. Triangulation involves reusing import containers for exports, reducing the need to transport empty containers to and from depots. The collaboration enables PIL’s customers to improve turnaround times, reduce trucking kilometres and carbon emissions, and avoid unnecessary trips to the depot.

Founded in 2017, MatchBox Exchange has partnered with 20 shipping lines and empowers more than 1,500 users across Asia. Its platform matches those who have a supply of empty containers with those who need them, to enable customers to conveniently reuse containers, or request or offer empty containers across businesses for their import or export needs.  Since launching in Thailand in 2020, MatchBox Exchange has seen impressive growth, with a near 49% increase in triangulation bookings from 2022 to 2023.

PIL is among the world’s top container shipping lines and the largest home-grown carrier in Southeast Asia. It focuses on Asia, China, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Oceania and the Pacific Islands. By leveraging the services provided by MatchBox Exchange, PIL reaffirms its commitment towards achieving net zero by 2050 by offering better and cleaner solutions for its customers.

Lim Chee Wei, General Manager, Logistics Division, PIL, said, “With MatchBox Exchange’s innovative solution, we can help our customers minimise their environmental footprint, while meeting PIL’s own objectives of driving a sustainable future as an efficient and future ready shipping line.”

Winnell Wongpanich, MatchBox Exchange Country Manager – Thailand said: “With PIL on our platform, we can offer wider container choices and enhanced triangulation opportunities for our users in Thailand. Our growing number of Thai users reflects the platform’s value in saving time and money through depot decongestion and allowing users to optimise their fleet.”

In 2023, MatchBox Exchange was acquired by WiseTech Global, developer and provider of the world’s leading logistics execution software CargoWise.

Registration on MatchBox Exchange is free, with a nominal fee charged for each re-use or exchange booking facilitated through the platform.