Oct 31, 2023

ASTM International’s digital information in the supply chain committee (F49) is developing a proposed standard (WK87207) on communication for container availability across global supply chains.

Through technical specifications including unique digital load identifiers linked with containers, this practice will make communication across global supply chains more seamless and cover both import and export scenarios.

According to ASTM International member Jaco Voorspuij, getting stakeholders on the same page regarding container availability at various stages of transportation will make for a smoother and faster flow of goods.

“This proposed recommended practice will establish a logical, harmonized industry ‘best practice’ that will enable seamless communication of container availability across global supply chains,” notes Voorspuij. “Due to lack of a common understanding of the term ‘container availability,’ many issues arise. The proposed standard will help to achieve the necessary common understanding across the supply chain. The effort intends to leverage existing standards where feasible and create new ones only where required.”

By emphasizing transportation efficiency, this effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #17 on sustainable development, #13 on climate action, and #14 on life below water.

For more on the work of the committee, watch this video.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.

Media Inquiries: Gavin O’Reilly, tel +1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org
Committee Contact: Jennifer Tursi, tel +1.610.832.9653; jtursi@astm.org  

Release #11736

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