With 9% of the world’s container vessels estimated to be in layup and average leasing company utilisation rates edging down to 85%, it is no surprise that second-hand traders and retailers are now beginning to see pressure on their industry.

Despite the crisis in world credit markets and gloomy economic forecasts, over 675 delegates at the National Portable Storage Association (NPSA)’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas last month seemed upbeat about the business, testament to the continuing, and for some surprising, robustness of the North American container storage industry.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the container depot industry, urged by its leasing and steamship line customers, began investing significantly in computer systems. Collectively the industry was open to the adoption of information technologies. Developments in data capture devices, messaging systems and global communications promised significant cost reductions, operating and billing efficiencies and improved customer service. A worldwide network of companies exchanging information without dat

Container depots in key port areas are finding it increasingly difficult to secure well-situated land for container storage. If the market turns down, coping with leasing company redeliveries will be a problem.

Equipment Management Services, LLC (EMS) of Houston, Texas, has teamed up with Off Dock USA Inc to set up a new container depot on the US west coast. The new venture will trade as EMS/ODUSA.

With 9% of the world’s container vessels estimated to be in layup and average leasing company utilisation rates edging down to 85%, it is no surprise that second-hand traders and retailers are now beginning to see pressure on their industry.

Despite the crisis in world credit markets and gloomy economic forecasts, over 675 delegates at the National Portable Storage Association (NPSA)’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas last month seemed upbeat about the business, testament to the continuing, and for some surprising, robustness of the North American container storage industry.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the container depot industry, urged by its leasing and steamship line customers, began investing significantly in computer systems. Collectively the industry was open to the adoption of information technologies. Developments in data capture devices, messaging systems and global communications promised significant cost reductions, operating and billing efficiencies and improved customer service. A worldwide network of companies exchanging information without dat

Container depots in key port areas are finding it increasingly difficult to secure well-situated land for container storage. If the market turns down, coping with leasing company redeliveries will be a problem.

Equipment Management Services, LLC (EMS) of Houston, Texas, has teamed up with Off Dock USA Inc to set up a new container depot on the US west coast. The new venture will trade as EMS/ODUSA.