Triangulation

Triangulation, in container logistics, is the repositioning technique of using an import container’s emptied box for a nearby export instead of returning it to the depot and drawing a fresh empty. After an import is unstuffed, the same container is repositioned directly to an exporter, so one road move serves two bookings and cuts empty mileage, depot handling, and detention. It is also called street-turn or matchback. Triangulation eases the equipment imbalance created by fronthaul-backhaul trade asymmetry, where empties pile up at import-heavy locations. It needs carrier approval, since the box stays on hire and is tracked across the swap.