Meet PortPro’s Empty Return Agent

Returning empty containers is a pain. Between scattered emails, LFD deadlines, and the risk of demurrage fees, the process can feel like a full-time job. That’s why we built something better: the Empty Return Agent — your new AI-powered teammate for handling empties like a pro.

Here’s a quick video walkthrough of how it works:

Let’s take a look at what it is, how it works, and why you’ll love it (we hope).

What is the Empty Return Agent?

The Empty Return Agent is your intelligent assistant built right into PortPro. It reads emails (yes, really), pulls key container data, updates your TMS, and alerts the right people — all automatically. No more missed LFDs. No more digging through your inbox. No more stress.

Why You’ll Love It

• Tracks empty containers automatically
  The agent scans your inbox for emails about empty returns — and gets to work without you lifting a finger.
  
  

• Saves time and sanity
  Say goodbye to manual data entry and hello to automation that actually works.
  
  

• Automatic notifications
  Need to alert your dispatcher, your customer, or your depot contact? No problem.
  
  

• Helps avoid costly fees
  With smart alerts for containers approaching their Last Free Day, you’ll stay ahead of the game (and demurrage).

How It Works

1. Connect Your Email

Hook up your company’s empties inbox (like empties@yourcompany.com). You can connect a shared or personal mailbox — whichever makes sense for your workflow.

2. Let the Agent Do the Heavy Lifting

Using Natural Language Processing (NLP), the agent reads incoming emails and pulls the info you need:

• Container numbers

• Return depots

• LFDs

• Booking references

• Contact details

It even parses attachments like CSVs, Excel files, and PDFs.

3. Watch Your TMS Update Itself

Once data is extracted, the agent syncs it directly into PortPro — updating container statuses and kicking off the right workflows behind the scenes.

4. Stay in the Loop with Smart Notifications

Get notified about what matters:

• A container is ready for return

• LFD is coming up

• Something doesn’t look right (so you can fix it fast)

You can customize who gets notified, when, and how.

Where You’ll Find It

Head to your PortPro AI Marketplace.

Once you’re there, look for the Empty Return Agent.

From there, you can set it up, manage mailbox connections, tweak notification settings, and view all activity in your AI Control Tower dashboard.

What Can Go Wrong?

Like any AI tool, it’s not perfect. If your email formats are chaotic or contain confusing language, it may need your help. But the agent learns over time — and you can always review flagged emails and give feedback.

To get the best results:

• Use a dedicated inbox for empties

• Standardize email formats (when possible)

• Check your dashboard regularly

Coming Soon

We’re not done yet. Future updates will include:

• Smarter LFD predictions

• Deeper integration with terminal/carrier systems

• Even more customizable workflows

Less email chasing. More containers returned on time. That’s the power of PortPro’s Empty Return Agent

Questions? Reach out to your PortPro rep or drop into our support chat anytime.

Not a PortPro customer yet? Let’s change that. Go on over and schedule a demo. 😉