The Port of Oakland has launched a new tracking program for improving the efficiency and visibility of truck movements and reducing congestion and emissions. The Bay Area World Trade Center (BAWTC), and private partners International Asset Systems, Sprint Nextel, Walsh Wireless, and Xora are joining the port in this initiative, which is part of the overall Port of Oakland Truck Tracker program (PTT).
The new technology uses an Advanced Transport Communications System that provides first and last mile visibility of cargo containers as they are nearing the Port and as they are delivered to retailers and distribution centers around Northern California. The technology consists of GPS-enabled mobile phones from Sprint, tracking software from Xora, and container-transaction processing from International Asset Systems.
In test mode since 2006, the PTT program is now operational, and the Port of Oakland and Bay Area World Trade Center are actively rolling it out to the shipping community. It already is in use by over 200 truckers and two major shippers and ocean carriers. "This new communications system will help the flow of trucks near the port area...and will result in fewer vehicle miles driven, less traffic congestion, and fewer emissions," said Omar Benjamin, the Port's executive director.
The technology provides a simple way for truck drivers to enter container information which can be automatically imported into carriers and shippers tracking systems. Pressing just a single button on a Sprint phone, the truck driver confirms that the cargo has either been picked up or delivered. The Xora software installed on the phone interprets the data entry and transmits the information via satellite to the IAS Hub, a common operating platform for container shipping moves created by International Asset Systems . The IAS Hub automatically translates the data to the format used by the carriers or shippers supply-chain visibility system, and automatically imports it into the system. Carriers and shippers container-tracking staff can log onto their systems 24/7 and see the pickup and delivery data in real time.
"Many of our customers are demanding more real-time information about their deliveries," said John Gurrad, of Mitsui OSK Lines. "With the capabilities provided by PTT, we can provide more accurate and up-to-date information to our customers about where containers are, which helps them be more efficient in terms of inventory management and distribution center planning."
http://www.portofoakland.com