Emtpy Container Returns
Containers are operated (owned or leased) by SS lines. Empty containers are stored in SS line depots.
After a container has been delivered, the empty container must be returned by a driver to the SS line designated depot.
Each morning, dispatchers use SS line websites and received emails from SS line Equipment Control department to review containers that have been delivered, in order to determine where the empty containers should be returned.
SS Lines
APL/CMA
Email sent by [email protected]
ACL
Open the following link:
COSCO
COSCO shipping empty return web site is updated daily by 4pm for the following day.
If the container is off hire, Cosco Equipment Control department will send an email informing dispatchers where to return the empty container.
Alternatively, check below link that lists Cosco off-hire containers.
If the container is NOT off-hire, open this link instead.

If a rail billing is needed, Enter the requested information and submit a ticket.

Evergreen
Email sent daily by [email protected]
Subject: EVG Empty Return - Midwest - date
Hapag Lloyd
Email sent by [email protected]
Subject: EMPTY TERMINATIONS @ CHICAGO DEPOTS / RAIL RAMPS
Hyundai
Email sent by [email protected]
Subject: Empty Hyundai return locations for Chicago area for imports out of BNSF LPC
Maersk
Open the following link, and select Maersk from the menu on the left. An excel spreadsheet will pop-up / download.
If the container is NOT off-hire then you go check empty return.


Review the city and size of container to show empty return.

MSC
Open the following link and review by city and rail terminal.
ONE
Open the following link:
OOCL
Email sent daily by [email protected]
Subject: Midwest Gate Status Report (day, date)
Open the OOCL Supplier Login page.

Enter the empty rail billing information, and Click Submit.

SM Line
Email sent by [email protected]
Subject: EMPTY RETURN LOCATION FOR CHICAGO - date
Open the SM LINE : PARTNER PORTAL if an empty rail billing is needed.

Click rail billing.

Yang Ming
Email sent by [email protected]
Subject: YML EMPTY RETURN GUIDE - date
ZIM
Open the following link for information on where to return the empty container:
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