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Supply Chain Productivity

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Oakland: Port Testing Sensors That Can Measure Wait-Times at Terminal Gates

Technology familiar to rush-hour motorists may soon help accelerate containerized cargo flow through the Port of Oakland. The port is testing sensors that measure how long harbor truckers wait to enter its marine terminals. 
Armed with wait-times, drivers could avoid peak periods and shippers could collect cargo when terminals aren’t crowded. If the test proves successful, the technology may be deployed throughout the port.   

"Our customers want to get in and out of the port with their cargo quickly," said Maritime Director John Driscoll. "We think this technology can provide an important component of wait-time metrics to our port stakeholders."

The port said last week it was installing sensors along thoroughfares in its Outer Harbor area. The readers will detect anonymous signals emitted from phones or other mobile devices in truck cabs. They will measure time between the first and last of each signal to calculate wait times into terminal yards. Truckers and cargo owners will get that information on cellphones or computers.

The port said that the technology will include cybersecurity measures, such as network security, access control, and audit and accountability to protect critical infrastructure.

The port may eventually use sensors for turn-time measurement within its terminals. 

The pilot program will last several months.The pilot project is one of several steps the port is planning to accelerate cargo movement. Others include regular Saturday gate hours, a common chassis pool and off-site locations for container pick-up. 
 

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