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Supply Chain Productivity: Long Beach, Los Angeles, Virginia

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Long Beach: Port Extends Life of Congestion Relief Depot

To help its terminals quickly work through a backlog of cargo, the Port of Long Beach is extending by six months the operation of a temporary container storage facility located on undeveloped "Pier S."

The action temporarily extends the life of the 30-acre storage depot that opened in December 2014, and allows the storage of loaded cargo containers and chassis as well as empty containers.

With the initial period for the container storage depot set to expire March 31, the port acted to expand the use of the area at Pier S. Pasha Stevedoring & Terminals Inc. will continue to operate the storage depot, and the port will monitor traffic for any issues.

Los Angeles: ‘Peel Off’ Program Speeds Cargo Flow 

A new program that expedites cargo by streamlining container moves is speeding up operations at the Port of Los Angeles. Launched February 25, the "Peel Off" program will help the port clear the current backlog of containers and improve the flow of cargo.

"We have found an efficient way to get containers to their destination that is beginning to pay off," said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. "We’re acting on our pledge to our customers to harmonize the supply chain and make it work better. Permanently."

The port teamed with The Pasha Group stevedoring company, harbor trucking firm Total Transportation Services Inc. (TTSI), several marine container terminal operators and a core group of major retailers to create the program, which involves "peeling off" containers of high-volume customers to a near-dock yard where they are sorted for destination to inland distribution centers. 

"The trucks are doing exactly what everyone needs them to do – make more turns every day," said TTSI President and CEO Vic La Rosa. "This single step eliminates multiple inefficient moves so cargo flows faster and more reliably."

"We’ve created something that’s going to work for years to come," said Jeff Burgin, senior vice president of Pasha Stevedoring & Terminals L.P., which is managing the near-dock "Peel Off" yard. "We’re prepared to expand this model throughout the harbor."  

Under "Peel Off," import containers loaded with goods belonging to high-volume shippers are stacked together in a block upon arrival at the port. The terminals expedite TTSI trucks through their gates to retrieve the containers and deliver them to the near-dock yard less than a mile away where they are sorted. The same trucks loop back to the terminals for the next inbound container. The trucks keep boxes moving by delivering outbound containers on the return leg.

"While the program is geared for high-volume shippers, all customers benefit," Mr. Seroka said. "Increasing terminal productivity has a positive ripple effect for everyone moving cargo through our port."

The yard is open six days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. At present, 17 acres are available for staging up to 500 containers. As demand grows, the facility can operate 24/7 and accommodate up to 650 containers.

International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) workers handle all gate and terminal operations at the "Peel Off" yard, including on-site chassis inspection, maintenance and repair.

Cargo owners can move their containers through the "Peel Off" yard in less than 48 hours and make those trips at night during off-peak traffic hours. TTSI has leased 250 chassis to ensure containers are on wheels and ready to roll. The parties are also coordinating their efforts with the new interchangeable chassis pool launched March 1 in the harbor complex.

"Peel Off" also offers clean air benefits by reducing truck trips, gate waits and idling. All trucks calling at the near-dock yard remain subject to the port’s Clean Truck Program requirements.

Planning for "Peel Off" preceded the recent congestion problems that surfaced at all West Coast ports, but it is already helping to clear the backlog of cargo in Los Angeles. The program is open to all container terminals and may be expanded to other locations in the Port of Los Angeles.

"With bigger ships delivering more cargo in a single call, this program improves the way we all do business," said Mr. Seroka. "It is also a prime example of how the Port of Los Angeles is bringing our partners together, facilitating meaningful dialogue and driving real solutions."

Port initiatives include testing web-based technology for increasing truck moves and working with terminal operators on business planning to achieve more productivity gains on the docks. 

The port is also pursuing new strategies with the Port of Long Beach to achieve greater supply chain efficiencies throughout the region now that the two ports have clearance from the Federal Maritime Commission to coordinate their efforts (Advisory, March 3, 2015). 

Virginia: Additional Turn Time Data Reported for NIT and VIG Cargo Complexes

The Port of Virginia has begun began capturing and reporting both traditional and total turn times for motor carriers transacting business at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) and Virginia International Gateway (VIG).
The latest addition to the port’s weekly operational metrics (updated on Mondays) can be found at http://www.portofvirginia.com/about/port-stats.

Traditional turn times: Typically referred to as "gate-to-gate," with the clock starting once the truck arrives on the interchange platform.

Total turn times: By utilizing RFID technology, this captures time spent in the truck queue, outside the interchange, and combines it with traditional turn time measurements.

"We believe in transparency and accountability," said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. "This initiative will provide a more complete picture of the NIT and VIG gates, facilitating better planning opportunities for drivers, logistics companies and cargo owners."
 

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