Core Capabilities: How the Empty Return Agent Works

Email Monitoring and Information Extraction

The primary function of the Empty Return Agent is to monitor the connected email inbox.

• Identifying Relevant Emails: The agent uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) and predefined rules or keywords to identify emails related to empty container returns. Examples include emails from shipping lines, terminals, or customers indicating that a container is empty and ready for pickup.

• Extracting Key Data: From these emails, the agent extracts crucial details such as:

  • Container Number(s)

  • Return Location (Terminal, Depot)

  • Last Free Day (LFD)

  • Booking or Reference Numbers

  • Contact Information

 System Integration and Status Updates

• PortPro TMS Integration: Extracted information is used to update records within the PortPro TMS. For example, the status of a container may be updated to “Empty – Ready for Return.”

• Validation: The agent can perform validation checks by comparing extracted data with existing TMS records to ensure accuracy.

Automated Notifications and Communication

• Internal Notifications: Dispatchers or relevant personnel receive notifications when a new empty container is identified and requires action.

• External Notifications (Optional): Depending on configuration, the agent may send automated notifications to customers or other parties regarding the status of empty returns.

• Alerts: Proactive alerts are generated for critical events, such as containers approaching their per diem LFD, to help avoid detention charges.

Handling Multiple Containers and Attachments

The agent is capable of processing emails that list multiple empty containers. It can also extract information from common attachment types (e.g., .csv, .xls, .pdf) if they contain structured data about empty returns.