March 17, 2021

IANA and BIC Standardize Intermodal Facility Identification

Calverton, MD March 17, 2021 – The Intermodal Association of North America and the Bureau International des Containers have collaborated to standardize the identification of terminals, ramps, container yards and depots in the United States. Each facility in IANA’s Intermodal Facilities Directory, maintained as part of its administration of the Driver Vehicle Inspection Reporting service, now has a structured address, GPS coordinates, a 9-character BIC Facility Code along with the preexisting IANA location code that serves the North American markets today. Adoption of these codes is expected to result in smoother communication between parties, quicker identification of facilities by third parties such as motor carriers and telematics providers, more efficient lessor-lessee communications related to on/off-hires and better visibility for BCOs.  

IANA offers API subscriptions to utilize not only the existing 1,300 IANA Location Codes today, but also the related BIC Facility Codes and SMDG Ocean Terminal Codes for future adoption of the standardized codes. 

“In order to achieve the global vision of uniform data, it’s important to have the support of the local regions with the backing of individual organizations that operate within the regions. We believe that the collaboration between BIC and IANA is a step in the right direction to achieve the compatibility of location codes in the North American market," said Jon Palmbak, senior vice president, Digital Products & Technology at IANA.

“Following the global facility harmonization project conducted with the support of the Digital Container Shipping Association and the launch of the API in December 2020, we’re very excited to be working with IANA in North America. IANA brings terrific coverage and expertise in the region, enriching the BIC Facility Code database with the IANA network and bringing us closer to our shared goal of the global adoption of data standards in our industry,“ said Douglas Owen, Secretary General of the BIC.

About IANA 
IANA’s roster of more than 1,000 corporate members includes railroads, ocean carriers, ports, intermodal truckers and over-the-road highway carriers, intermodal marketing and logistic companies, and suppliers to the industry. This roster gives IANA a unique position within the intermodal community, one which is authoritative, holistic and able to affect change that benefits everyone. IANA consistently supports the shared needs, interests, and goals of its diverse members – regardless of mode or function – with business solutions, education, and networking opportunities.

About BIC 
Founded under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce in 1933 as a neutral, non-profit, international organization, the BIC today has over 2400 members in over 120 countries. The BIC has played an important role in the growth of containerization, with its long-established and active role in the development and maintenance of industry standards. Learn more at bic-code.org.