IANA unveils new website to streamline 'street interchanges'

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) has launched an online platform aimed at streamlining the exchange of intermodal equipment among motor carriers.

Known as the IANA Street Interchange Application, the platform is intended to bring a standard industry solution to existing practices and integrates with the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA), which is administered by IANA.

A street interchange occurs when one carrier transfers an empty container to another without returning it to the pickup location. For example, a trucker moving an import box could reuse the same box for an export.

The UIIA is a standard industry contract between intermodal truckers/drayage companies and equipment providers. The pact was developed as a means of achieving uniformity in the interchange process, according to IANA.

The web portal of IANA's new application is now available, with an introductory webinar scheduled for July 13. Later this year, the association plans to launch a mobile app and system-to-system application programming interface.

In addition to validating the container's equipment provider, the system interfaces with IANA's Global Intermodal Equipment Registry and the soon-to-launch Gate control System.

The new program is available to all UIIA participants at no charge, IANA officials said in a press release.

"This online solution demonstrates what the industry can achieve when modes agree to partner," said IANA President and Chief Executive Officer Joni Casey.