Supply Chain Management: Los Angeles

Port of Los Angeles and GE Transportation Launch Solution to Digitize Maritime Shipping

Last November, the Port of Los Angeles and GE Transportation announced a partnership to develop a first-of-its-kind digital solution to keep cargo flowing efficiently. Since then, the partners have been working together to build a platform that digitizes maritime shipping data and makes it available to cargo owners and supply chain operators through secure, channeled access.

The digital solution has been launched on a pilot basis at APM Terminals with Maersk Shipping Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company. Major retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s are participating in the project. Initial performance results are expected in July.

"By working together to share data in a secure and controlled environment, we have already seen the potential for tremendous benefits for importers, truckers, shipping lines, terminals, chassis providers and the entire supply chain," said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. "Greater insight leads to better planning and lower cost, all of which have a direct impact on every company that is involved in international trade."

To illuminate the complex operations of America’s largest container port and the transformational benefits of this digital solution, GE gave Alie Ward and Adam Savage first access as part of its new In the Wild web series. The episode shows how disparate data sources are being integrated from players across the supply chain to create a single source of information for the entire shipping process.

It also shows how port operators are working with the Port of Los Angeles to execute the pilot, by sharing information and gaining earlier visibility and increased efficiency into how cargo moves into, within and out of the port for shippers, terminal operators, trucks and railroads.  

"Our work with the Port of Los Angeles has the potential to transform how ports across the country, and even the world, operate, driving productivity from ship to shore and from the terminal to the customer," said Jamie Miller, GE Transportation president and CEO. "It’s an honor to partner together on a game-changing solution that could have industry wide implications."

For ongoing updates about the pilot, visit http://getransportation.com/port-of-la.