Empty container management in depots before and after outsourcing of container inspection - A flow and cost related comparison

Other conference contribution, 2019

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects on outsourcing parts of the process of returning empty containers to depots. The work is based on a case study that includes review of relevant literature, semi-structured interviews and a time studies. The depot operator normally performs inspection of empty containers and administration at the gate to the depot. This in-house inspection means longer turnaround times and also a lower quality of the inspection. The depot operator then introduces a new arrangement where containers are inspected at a different location and by a third-party actor outside the depot. As a result personnel with special training carry out the inspection that leads to both a somewhat decreased inspection time and also a higher quality of the inspection. The results demonstrate that an outsourced inspection could lead to shorter turnaround times and that more efficient flows can be obtained. Additionally, an increased efficiency is achieved in the gate of the depot and for the inspection activity.